Research Capacity and Culture on Nurses' Evidence-Based Practice Implementation

Area of Science:

• Nursing Research
• Healthcare Management
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• The translation of research findings into clinical practice, known as evidence-based practice implementation (EBPI), is often hindered by a research-to-practice gap.
• Nurses play a pivotal role in bridging this gap, but require a supportive environment to foster research capacity and culture (RCC).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the associations between nurses' perceptions of individual, team, and organizational RCC and their EBPI.
• To adjust for demographic factors including educational background, healthcare organization setting, and type.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey study was conducted with 175 nurses across the United States.
• The Research Capacity in Context (RCC) tool and EBPI scale measured nurses' perceptions of RCC and EBPI.
• Simple and multiple linear regression analyses were employed to examine relationships and adjust for covariates.

Main Results:

• Individual, team, and organizational RCC were all significantly associated with nurse EBPI.
• These associations remained significant after controlling for educational background, healthcare organization setting, and type.
• Educational background was also a significant predictor of EBPI.

Conclusions:

• Developing research capacity and culture (RCC) within healthcare organizations is essential for increasing evidence-based practice implementation (EBPI) among nurses.
• Enhanced EBPI can directly influence patient outcomes, underscoring the importance of fostering supportive environments for nursing research.
• Further research is needed to identify effective strategies for leadership to build RCC among nursing staff.