Effects of Work Engagement and Barriers on Evidence-Based Practice Implementation for Clinical Nurses: A...

Background/Objectives: Implementing evidence-based practice (EBP) among healthcare professionals is a vital strategy for improving the quality of healthcare services, patient outcomes, and professional role satisfaction. In this study, we aimed to identify the effects of work engagement and barriers to EBP implementation among clinical nurses. Methods: In this cross-section study, we collected data from 184 nurses with at least 1 year of clinical experience using a questionnaire. The study was performed in three general hospitals in Korea between 17 July and 4 August 2023. Following data collection, we performed descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Scheffe's post hoc test, Pearson's correlation analysis, and multiple regression to analyze the data. Results: EBP implementation was found to be positively correlated with work engagement (r = 0.32, p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with barriers to implementing EBP (r = -0.44, p < 0.001). Factors influencing EBP implementation included work engagement (β = 0.14, p = 0.041) and barriers (β = -0.39, p < 0.001). Notably, barriers had a greater influence on EBP implementation than work engagement. Conclusions: Policy support, including performance incentives and training policies, among others, along with an organizational environment that provides necessary resources, should be established to encourage nurses' engagement, which influences their organizational performance to improve EBP. In addition, it is crucial to develop and strengthen educational and support programs for nurses regarding EBP to help identify and minimize barriers to implementing this practice.