The Relationship Between Nurses' Emotional Competence and Evidence-Based Nursing: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Healthcare Professional Development
• Emotional Intelligence Research

Background:

• Emotions significantly impact healthcare professionals' clinical decision-making.
• Evidence-based nursing (EBN) relies on clinical reasoning, which is influenced by emotions.
• Understanding the link between emotional competence and EBN is vital for quality care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To map and synthesize current knowledge on the relationship between nurses' emotional competence and EBN.
• To identify research methodologies employed in this field.
• To highlight challenges in integrating emotional competence with EBN.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review following Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
• Searches conducted across databases like Scopus and CINAHL, including grey literature.
• Thematic synthesis of 11 included studies published since 1990 in multiple languages.

Main Results:

• Higher emotional competence in nurses correlates with safer, evidence-based practice adoption.
• Emotional competence facilitates the implementation of EBN.
• Improved quality and safety of patient care are associated with emotionally competent nurses.

Conclusions:

• Integrating emotional intelligence and EBN in nursing education and practice is essential.
• Combined educational programs can enhance professional safety, performance, and well-being.
• Further research is needed to develop models reconciling emotional competencies with EBN.