Hospital readiness for undertaking evidence-based practice: A survey

• Published in: Nursing & health sciences 2016-12, Vol.18 (4), p.465-472
• Main Authors: Nguyen, Thi Ngoc Minh, Wilson, Anne
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Attitude of Health Personnel; conceptual framework; Cross-Sectional Studies; Decision making; Evidence based medicine; Evidence based research; Evidence-Based Nursing; evidence-based practice/evidence-based nursing; Female; Health authorities; Hospitals - trends; Humans; Infrastructure; Journal clubs; Leadership; Male; Mentoring; Middle Aged; Models, Nursing; Nurses; Nurses - psychology; Nursing; Organizational Culture; organizational readiness; Organizational support; Preparedness; Program Development - standards; Readiness; Research transfer; Surveys; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vietnam
• ISSN: 1441-0745; 1442-2018
• DOI: 10.1111/nhs.12293

Despite the fact that evidence‐based practice has increasing emphasis in health care, organizations are not always prepared for its implementation. Identifying organizational preparedness for implementing evidence‐based practice is desirable prior to application. A cross‐sectional survey was developed to explore nurses’ perception of organizational support for evidence‐based practice and was implemented via a self‐enumerated survey completed by 234 nurses. Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Nurses reported that implementation of evidence‐based practice is complex and fraught with challenges because of a lack of organizational support. A conceptual framework comprising three key factors: information resources, nursing leadership, and organizational infrastructure was proposed to assist health authorities in the implementation of evidence‐based practice. Suggestions of how organizations can be more supportive of research utilization in practice include establishing a library, journal clubs/mentoring programs, nurses’ involvement in decision‐making at unit level, and a local nursing association.