Evidence-Based Practice Competence: A Concept Analysis

PURPOSE: To report an analysis of the concept of evidence-based practice competence for nurses using Walker and Avant's (2011) eight-step, iterative concept analysis process as a guide. DATA SOURCES: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, OVID, PsycINFO, and Sociological Abstracts were searched. DATA SYNTHESIS: References were read and analyzed according to associated meanings, usages, attributes, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents. CONCLUSION: An operational definition for the concept was developed. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: A clear and operational definition of evidence-based practice competence will help guide nurses at all levels of experience to use the best available evidence for improving the quality of care and maximizing patient outcomes.