Evidence-based nursing-How is it understood by bedside nurses? A phenomenographic study in surgical settings

The aim was to identify and describe nurses' understanding of working with evidence-based nursing (EBN) in clinical practice.

Evidence-based health care is recognized as fundamental to nursing practice, but it is challenging to implement. How nurses understand this part of their work can affect their practice.

Using a qualitative explorative design with a phenomenographic approach, we interviewed 21 nurses working in Swedish surgical wards.

We identified three understandings of EBN among nurses in surgical care: A. a fragmentary and difficult concept that is not integrated or used in clinical practice; B. an important approach guided by knowledgeable colleagues and students; and C. a process that nurses are responsible for developing and leading.

Nurses' understandings of working with EBN in surgical wards vary widely. Nurse managers have an important task to create a common outlook among nurses about integrating research, patient experience and clinical experience in decision-making.

These findings could inspire nurse managers to reflect on how to move nurses towards a more comprehensive understanding of EBN and how to identify nurses who could act as facilitators in quality improvement work.