A Study of Medical Surgical Nurses Leaders' Evidence-Based Practice Attributes

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 (R 2 = 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.