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Readiness of U.S. nurses for evidence-based practice.
Diane S Pravikoff1, Annelle B Tanner, Susan T Pierce
1Online Journal of Clinical Innovations, Glendale, CA, USA. dpravikoff@cinahl.com
The American Journal of Nursing
|September 3, 2005
Summary
Registered nurses (RNs) in the US often lack the skills and training to effectively use research databases for evidence-based practice. Many prefer informal information sources over formal research tools, impacting patient care.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Health Services Research
- Evidence-Based Practice
Background:
- Evidence-based practice (EBP) is crucial for optimal patient care, requiring healthcare providers to utilize the best available evidence for clinical decisions.
- Registered nurses (RNs) are central to EBP, but their preparedness to engage in this systematic approach needs evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine US RNs' perceptions of their access to evidence retrieval tools.
- To assess RNs' skills in obtaining and utilizing research evidence for clinical decision-making.
- To identify barriers to EBP engagement among practicing nurses.
Main Methods:
- A stratified random sample of 3,000 RNs across the United States was surveyed.
- A 93-item questionnaire assessed nurses' perceptions of evidence access and skills.
- The study focused on 760 RNs employed in clinical settings.
Main Results:
- Nurses frequently require information but feel more confident using the Internet/WWW and consulting peers than bibliographic databases (e.g., PubMed, CINAHL).
- Many RNs reported limited understanding or value of research and minimal training in evidence-finding tools.
- A significant gap exists between the perceived need for information and the confidence/skills in accessing research evidence.
Conclusions:
- US RNs demonstrate a need for enhanced training in research utilization and database searching to support EBP.
- Nursing education and practice environments must address the identified gaps in skills and confidence to foster effective EBP.
- Interventions are needed to improve nurses' ability to access and apply research findings in clinical settings.