The use of the evidence‐based practice process by experienced registered nurses to inform and transform clinical practice during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A longitudinal national cohort study

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundDuring the COVID‐19 pandemic, many registered nurses (RNs) worked on the frontline caring for severely ill patients. They did so with limited knowledge of how to treat and prevent the disease. This extreme situation puts pressure on RNs to find evidence on which to base the care of their patients.AimsTo examine: (1) the extent to which evidence‐based practice (EBP) process was applied by Swedish RN cohorts 15–19 years after graduation during the pandemic, (2) whether there was any change to their EBP process from pre‐pandemic to late pandemic, (3) the relationship between RNs' use of the EBP process and the duration of exposure to work situations severely affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic, and (4) whether level of education, position and care setting were associated with the extent of RNs' EBP process.MethodsIn 2021, the level of EBP activities was investigated among 2237 RNs 15–19 years after graduation. The scale used to measure EBP consisted of six items of the EBP process. Unpaired t‐tests or one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used in the analysis.ResultsRNs used the EBP process to a moderate extent to inform and transform their clinical practice. There was a minor but significant decrease in practicing the EBP process from pre‐pandemic to late in the pandemic. RNs who were most affected by the pandemic scored higher on the scale than less‐affected colleagues. RNs in nonclinical positions reported more EBP activities, as did RNs in management positions. RNs working in outpatient settings reported more EBP activities than their colleagues in hospitals.Linking Evidence to ActionIt is imperative that RNs hone their skills in EBP if they are to be prepared for future healthcare crises. Healthcare providers have a duty to facilitate the development of EBP and, in this regard, RNs in clinical positions in hospitals need particular support.