The Effect of Education on Evidence-Based Practice Implementation Among Nurse Leaders: A Mixed-Methods Systematic...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Healthcare Management
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Education is a key factor influencing nurse leaders' implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP).
• Effective EBP implementation necessitates multifaceted strategies, including organizational support and leadership engagement.
• Addressing persistent challenges is crucial for translating evidence into high-quality, person-centered care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the impact of education on evidence-based practice (EBP) implementation among nurse leaders.
• To explore the role of educational interventions in enhancing nurse leaders' capacity for EBP.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods systematic review adhering to Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidance and PRISMA checklist.
• Comprehensive literature search across CINAHL, PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Google Scholar.
• Studies were double-screened, appraised using the Mixed-Method Appraisal Tool, and synthesized using convergent parallel synthesis.

Main Results:

• Nine studies from 3,646 records showed education positively influenced nurse leaders' knowledge, attitudes, skills, and behaviors regarding EBP.
• Interventions improved perceptions of leadership support, but long-term sustainability evidence was limited.
• Organizational culture, resources, communication, and collaboration presented as both barriers and facilitators.

Conclusions:

• Education strengthens nurse leaders' capacity for EBP, but its effectiveness is maximized within supportive organizational contexts.
• Sustained EBP impact requires organizational readiness, ongoing support, and alignment with culture, resources, and leadership structures.
• Targeted education combined with organizational support can improve care quality and patient outcomes, necessitating policy investment in structured EBP education and infrastructure.