Using knowledge as the basis for evidence-based practice in primary care nurses.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Research
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Primary Care

Background:

• Evidence-based practice integrates research findings with clinical expertise to enhance patient care quality.
• Nurses face barriers in conducting research and applying new findings, with limited studies in primary care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore primary care nurses' perceptions of using research for evidence-based practice.
• To identify factors hindering or enabling the implementation of research into daily nursing practice.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive qualitative study utilizing focus groups.
• Data collected from 46 registered nurses in Spanish primary care centers.
• Participants were divided into five focus groups.

Main Results:

• Nurses are aware of the necessity of research for practice.
• Nurses see themselves as knowledge generators and are motivated to use research despite identified barriers.
• Key themes include awareness, knowledge generation, and motivation amidst challenges.

Conclusions:

• Nurses acknowledge the importance of evidence-based care derived from their work and colleagues' research.
• Nurses express willingness to engage in evidence-based practice but report a perceived lack of competence and seek institutional support.
• Primary care institutions should foster leadership in evidence-based practice among nursing coordinators and involve clinical nurses in guideline implementation.