Nurses' evidence‐based practice knowledge, attitudes and implementation: A cross‐sectional study

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To examine the influence of staff nurses' individual factors on knowledge, attitudes and implementation of evidence-based practice in Saudi Arabia and to identify facilitators and barriers to evidence-based practice implementation. BACKGROUND: Evidence-based practice has been considered as a key for healthcare quality measure. The literature, however, shows that nurses worldwide are not implementing evidence-based practice as expected and recommended by governing agencies. In Saudi Arabia, evidence-based practice implementation has not been addressed sufficiently. DESIGN: A cross-sectional, correlational design was used. We have complied with the guidelines of STROBE Checklist in presenting this research. A convenience sample of staff nurses (n = 227) was selected from four hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The survey questions included the Evidence-based Practice Questionnaire and individual factors. Data were analysed using multiple linear regression models. RESULTS: Attitudes towards evidence-based practice had the highest mean followed by evidence-based practice knowledge and implementation means. Evidence-based practice training and research involvement were associated with knowledge in the bivariate and multivariate analyses. None of the individual factors were associated with attitudes. However, knowledge was associated with attitudes. Knowledge and attitudes influenced evidence-based practice implementation positively. Unexpectedly, receiving evidence-based practice training made it more difficult for nurses to participate in evidence-based practice implementation process. We found that attitudes partially mediated the relationship between knowledge and evidence-based practice implementation. CONCLUSION: Nurses in Saudi Arabia are willing to be involved in the evidence-based practice process. However, nurses identified that they need to improve their knowledge and skills in order to be active participants in the process. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Organisations and nursing leadership may benefit from developing a comprehensive strategy to promote staff nurses' involvement in the evidence-based practice process through providing continuing education and mentoring programmes about evidence-based practice.