Factors Associated with Evidence-Based Practice Competencies among Taiwanese Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is an essential component of healthcare practice that ensures the delivery of high-quality care by integrating the best available evidence. This study aimed to explore factors influencing EBP among nursing professionals in Taiwan. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted with 752 registered nurses and nurse practitioners recruited from a regional teaching hospital in southern Taiwan. EBP competency was evaluated using the Taipei Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire (TEBPQ). The results showed that participation in evidence-based courses or training within the past year had the strongest association with EBP competencies (Std. B = 0.157, p < 0.001). Holding a graduate degree (Std. B = 0.151, p < 0.001), working in gynecology or pediatrics (Std. B = 0.126, p < 0.001), searching the literature in electronic databases (Std. B = 0.072, p = 0.039), and able to read academic articles in English (Std. B = 0.088, p = 0.005) were significantly associated with higher TEBPQ scores. Younger age (Std. B = −0.105, p = 0.005) and male gender (Std. B = 0.089, p = 0.010) were also identified as factors contributing to higher EBP competencies. The study highlights the importance of ongoing professional development, including EBP training and language proficiency, in enhancing EBP competencies among nursing professionals in Taiwan.