A Study of Medical Surgical Nurses Leaders' Evidence-Based Practice Attributes: Critical Implications for Practice

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine medical-surgical nurse leaders' evidence-based practice (EBP) attributes, perceived barriers to EBP, and whether there were differences in leaders' EBP competencies and EBP implementation by demographic and organizational factors.

Background: Leaders are crucial to the development of cultures that support EBP implementation, but little is known about medical-surgical nurse leaders' capacity to perform this aspect of their role.

Methods: A cross-sectional design using survey methodology was used. The survey contained demographic/work setting questions and 3 instruments to measure EBP beliefs, implementation, and competencies.

Results: Senior leaders self-reported higher EBP attributes compared with nurses in other roles; nurses with an MSN or higher reported greater frequency of EBP implementation. A regression revealed that EBP competencies, EBP beliefs, having a DNP degree, and working in an Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses Premier Recognition In the Specialty of Med-surg unit or a Pathway to Excellence® organization had significant, positive effects on EBP implementation scores ( R2 = 0.37).

Conclusions: Findings demonstrate there is a range of EBP beliefs and competencies, and barriers to EBP among medical-surgical nurse leaders. Because medical-surgical nursing is the largest acute care practice specialty in the United States and many other countries, leaders fully integrating EBP into their practice would be a substantial contribution to advancing EBP in healthcare.