The Relationship Between Point-of-Care Tool Use and Nurses' Self-Efficacy

Despite benefits of evidence-based practice (EBP), barriers exist that prevent translation of evidence to point of care.

The purpose of this study was to examine types of EBP resources used by nurses, and correlate EBP resource use with nurse's self-efficacy.

A descriptive correlational design was used.

A total of 52 nurses participated. A wide range of EBP resources were used including hospital policies/procedures, education provided by an employer, and internet searches. Participants had high levels of self-efficacy with nursing skills. Nurses with lower self-efficacy were more likely to use colleagues as an EBP resource and had fewer years of nursing experience.

Nurses reported gaining information from a range of sources; unfortunately, not all sources were evidence-based. Removing barriers to EBP resource use and providing access to concise recommendations to nurses may improve use of EBP at the point of care.