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Barriers to evidence-based practice in primary care
Hugh P McKenna1, Sue Ashton, Sinead Keeney
1Head of School of Nursing, University of Ulster, Ulster, UK.
Journal of Advanced Nursing
|January 7, 2004
Summary
Barriers to evidence-based practice differ between general practitioners and community nurses in primary care. Addressing these obstacles requires tailored strategies and resources for improved healthcare delivery.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare delivery
- Primary care research
- Evidence-based practice implementation
Background:
- Evidence-based practice (EBP) is fundamental to modern healthcare.
- Accountability for care quality necessitates the use of robust research findings.
- Numerous barriers impede the effective integration of best evidence into clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific barriers encountered in primary care settings.
- To understand the perceptions of healthcare professionals regarding EBP implementation.
Main Methods:
- A custom-designed questionnaire was employed.
- Data were collected from primary care professionals in 2000/2001.
- Respondents' perceptions of EBP barriers were systematically gathered.
Main Results:
- General practitioners (GPs) identified research relevance, staying current with changes, and evidence searching as key barriers.
- Community nurses cited poor computer facilities, patient compliance issues, and challenges in influencing primary care changes.
- Distinct barriers suggest differential strategies are needed for GPs and community nurses.
Conclusions:
- Identifying barriers is the initial phase in overcoming EBP implementation challenges.
- Additional resources are essential for effectively addressing identified barriers.
- Investing in EBP can lead to more efficient healthcare services and improved population health outcomes.