Assessing The Level Of Utilization Of Evidence-Based Nursing Practice Guidelines Among Nurse Practitioners

Abstract

Evidence-based practice is the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence about the care of individual patient. The practice of evidence-based nursing means integrating individual clinical expertise with the best available external clinical evidence from systematic research and to achieve EBP, the most current and universally acceptable evidence must be applied in making decisions about the care of individual patients. A descriptive survey assessingthe level of utilization of evidence-based nursing practice guidelines among nurse practitioners was conducted at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki-Nigeria. A total of ninety (90) nurse practitionersparticipated in the study.

Findings of this study show that majority of the practitioners had heard about evidence-based nursing practice and while some heard it through formal education, others heard it through their colleagues. A positive attitude and belief towards evidence-based nursing practice (EBNP) among practitioners was equally indicated. The finding shows significant association between nurse practitioners’ knowledge and attitude towards evidence-based nursing practice.Based on the results of the findings, it was concluded that majority of the nursepractitioners working in the Hospital were aware of evidence-based nursing practice and had a positive knowledge and attitude towards EBNP. Despite the above, the nurses still perceived some barriers and facilitators towards implementation of this concept. Based on the findings the researcher recommendedamong others promotion of research use through and conducive as well as supportive environment where innovation is valued and rewarded as conditions that sustain EBNP in the hospital.