A Cross-sectional Study on Evidence-Based Nursing Practice in the Contemporary Hospital Setting: Implications for
Leonie Rose Bovino1, Anne M Aquila, Susan Bartos
1Leonie Rose Bovino, PhD, RN, CEN, is Professor Nurse P/D, Bridgeport Hospital, Connecticut, and Assistant Professor, Quinnipiac University School of Nursing, Hamden, Connecticut. Anne M. Aquila, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, is Director of Nursing Patient Care Services, Bridgeport Hospital, Connecticut. Susan Bartos, PhD, RN, CCRN, is Prof. Nurse P/D, Bridgeport Hospital, Connecticut. Tina McCurry, BSN, RN, CCRC, is Senior Research Program Coordinator, Department of Medicine, Bridgeport Hospital, Connecticut. C. Elizabeth Cunningham, MSN, RN, is Clinical Nurse Specialist, Bridgeport Hospital, Connecticut. Todd Lane, MAT, MLS, is Chief Medical Librarian, Bridgeport Hospital, Connecticut. Nicole Rogucki, MSN, RN, CNOR, is Clinical Nurse Specialist, Bridgeport Hospital, Connecticut. Jamie DosSantos, BSN, RN, is Prof. Nurse II, Burn Center, Bridgeport Hospital, Connecticut. Danielle Moody, BSN, RN, CCRN, is Prof. Nurse II, ICU, Bridgeport Hospital, Connecticut. Karen Mealia-Ospina, BSN, RN, is Assistant Nurse Manager, Angio, Schine 10, Bridgeport Hospital, Connecticut. Jancee Pust-Marcone, MS, RN, CCRN, is Nurse Manager, SICU & REV team, Bridgeport Hospital, Connecticut. Jonathan Quiles, RN, is Prof. Nurse II, Burn Center, Bridgeport Hospital, Connecticut.
Nurses show a gap between believing in and implementing evidence-based practice (EBP). Higher nursing degrees correlate with better EBP beliefs and use, especially for non-bedside roles.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Healthcare Quality
- Evidence-Based Practice
Background:
- Nurses' inconsistent engagement with evidence-based practice (EBP) is a recognized issue.
- Augmenting EBP is crucial for improving patient care and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify strategies for enhancing evidence-based practice (EBP) among hospital nurses.
- To explore factors influencing EBP beliefs and implementation in nursing.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study surveyed 402 nurses in a medical-surgical hospital.
- Nurses' scores on EBP beliefs and implementation were assessed.
- Educational attainment and direct care roles were analyzed as potential factors.
Main Results:
- Nurses reported higher EBP beliefs than EBP implementation scores.
- Nurses with baccalaureate/postgraduate degrees demonstrated higher EBP beliefs and implementation.
- Direct care nurses had lower EBP beliefs and implementation scores compared to non-direct care roles.
Conclusions:
- Educational preparation significantly impacts nurses' EBP beliefs and practice.
- Strategies to promote EBP should consider educational pathways and nursing roles.
- Further research is needed to address the EBP implementation gap in direct care nursing.