Assessment of Knowledge and Practices of Evidence-Based Nursing Among Clinical Nurses

Abstract

Background: Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) has become a fundamental
component of modern nursing, enabling clinicians to deliver safe, effective,
and patient-centered care. Despite widespread acknowledgment of its
importance, the translation of EBP into routine clinical practice remains
inconsistent across healthcare settings, particularly in developing
countries.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practices of
evidence-based nursing among clinical nurses and to identify factors
influencing its implementation in hospital settings.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among
200 clinical nurses working in tertiary healthcare institutions. Data
were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from the
Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire (EBPQ), covering domains of
knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Descriptive and inferential statistics
were used to analyze the data.

Results: The findings revealed that while nurses demonstrated moderate
levels of knowledge and positive attitudes toward EBP, the actual
implementation in clinical practice was relatively low. Significant
associations were observed between EBP knowledge and factors such
as educational qualification, years of experience, prior training, and
research involvement. Major barriers identified included lack of time,
insufficient access to resources, and organizational constraints.
Conclusion: Although awareness of EBP is growing among clinical nurses,
its practical application remains suboptimal. Targeted interventions
such as continuous education, institutional support, and improved
access to research resources are necessary to bridge the gap between
knowledge and practice.