Barriers and facilitators in implementing evidence-based practice: a parallel cross-sectional mixed methods study...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Nursing Administration
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Evidence-based practice (EBP) is crucial for quality healthcare.
• A gap exists between EBP advocacy and clinical adoption, especially in resource-limited settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate barriers and facilitators to EBP adoption by nursing administrators in Saudi Arabian hospitals.
• Inform the development of targeted interventions to enhance EBP implementation.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional, mixed-method design involving surveys and interviews.
• 385 nursing administrators surveyed; 40 interviewed from 12 hospital types in Saudi Arabia's Northern Region.
• Data analyzed using descriptive, correlational, and thematic approaches.

Main Results:

• Insufficient staffing and time were major barriers (mean=4.05).
• Supportive policies and leadership experience positively influenced EBP adoption (p=0.015).
• Resource constraints negatively correlated with EBP adoption willingness (r=-0.17 to -0.35).

Conclusions:

• Organizational support, leadership advocacy, and tailored interventions are vital for overcoming EBP barriers.
• Gender diversity and hierarchical dynamics in Saudi healthcare offer unique insights for EBP improvement.
• Findings offer actionable strategies for policymakers and nursing leaders to enhance EBP adoption and healthcare outcomes.