Evidence-based practice among nurses in Slovenian Hospitals: a national survey

Abstract

Aims: To identify the extent of evidence-based practice implementation among nurses in Slovenian hospital settings, to establish nurses' beliefs on evidence-based practice and to identify possible explanatory factors.

Background: Conducting and applying research are fundamental nurses' tasks and an essential expectation in nursing practice.

Introduction: Despite verified benefits of evidence-based practice, research evidence across different countries has shown extremely limited implementation of this practice among nurses.

Methods: A cross-sectional research design was employed. Standardized instruments Evidence-Based Practice Beliefs and Implementation Scale were used. The sample included 534 nurses from 19 Slovenian hospitals. The obtained data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation and factor analysis, and linear regression.

Results: Nurses in Slovenian hospitals have positive beliefs about evidence-based practice, but exhibit a low level of implementation. The beliefs were explained by perceived knowledge on research, job satisfaction and length of employment, whereas a low level of implementation was explained by poor perceived knowledge on research, evidence-based practice and job satisfaction level.

Discussion: Nurses in Slovenian hospitals have positive beliefs about evidence-based practice, but exhibit a low level of implementation. According to the results, some resources required for improved implementation are not made sufficiently available.

Limitations: A low response rate; the sample not being balanced for educational achievement; and the accuracy of self-report survey methods.

Conclusion: In addition to the perceived knowledge and education provided, an important factor is also job satisfaction, which points to the instrumental role of management workers in determining nurses' professional development.

Implications for nursing and health policy: Nursing managers in Slovenian hospitals should promote the development of head nurses in research and evidence-based care, thereby fostering a culture of evidence-based practice.

Keywords: Beliefs; Education; Evidence-based Practice; Implementation; Job Satisfaction; Nurses; Nursing Management; Research; Slovenia.