Systematic education has a positive impact on nurses' evidence-based practice: Intervention study results.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)
• Healthcare Quality Improvement

Background:

• Nurses' adoption of evidence-based practice (EBP) is crucial for enhancing patient care quality.
• Educational interventions are key to improving nurses' EBP knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of an evidence-based practice (EBP) education program on nurses' knowledge, practices, and attitudes.
• To identify factors influencing nurses' self-reported EBP competence and attitudes.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental design involving nurses from a Finnish university hospital.
• Data collected via pre- and post-intervention questionnaires using validated instruments for EBP knowledge, skills, and attitudes.
• Statistical analysis included Mann-Whitney U test and linear regression.

Main Results:

• Nurses reported significant improvements in EBP practices, skills, and work integration post-education.
• Scores related to EBP work and attitudes predicted overall self-evaluations of EBP competence.
• The education program positively influenced nurses' EBP implementation.

Conclusions:

• EBP education effectively enhances nurses' practical skills and knowledge application.
• Sustained focus on modifying attitudes towards EBP is essential for full integration.
• Continuous development of engaging EBP educational programs is vital for lifelong learning in nursing.