Evidence-based practice: Iranian nurses' perceptions.

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Quality
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Evidence-based practice (EBP) is crucial for high-quality, cost-effective healthcare.
• Nurses integrating scientific evidence improve patient and organizational outcomes.
• Understanding Iranian nurses' perceptions of EBP is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate Iranian nurses' perceptions of evidence-based practice.
• To explore the understanding and application of EBP among nurses in Iran.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving 21 nurses from Kashan University of Medical Sciences.
• Data collected through semi-structured interviews.
• Content analysis applied using Cheevakumjorn's method.

Main Results:

• Two primary themes emerged: 'evidence-based nursing' and 'nature and source of evidence'.
• Participants equated EBP with 'standard care', based on professional knowledge and patient needs.
• Identified 'caring evidence' types: patient, environment, academic, practice-based, and research-based knowledge.
• Nurses reported current practice is not based on scientific evidence.

Conclusions:

• Nurses hold positive attitudes towards using scientific evidence in practice.
• There is a significant gap between the positive attitude and the actual application of EBP in current nursing.
• Organizational and educational support is essential for nurses to implement evidence-based practice effectively.