Evidence-Based Practice Among Psychiatric Nurses: Knowledge, Attitudes, Organizational Readiness, Levels of Implementation, and Barriers and Facilitators

Abstract

The current study examined psychiatric nurses' views, knowledge, attitudes, organizational readiness, levels of evidence-based practice (EBP), as well as barriers and facilitators to EBP in a Nigerian tertiary neuropsychiatric hospital. This study used a cross-sectional descriptive research approach. Structured questionnaires were administered to all psychiatric nurses ( N = 131) at the hospital. Results showed that psychiatric nurses had an acceptable degree of EBP knowledge and a positive attitude toward EBP. Levels of EBP implementation were below average, and organizational culture and preparation for EBP were moderate. Participants reported a moderate degree of barriers to EBP adoption (mean = 40.08, SD = 9.63), and a high level of assertion to positive facilitators of EBP (mean = 19.88, SD = 4.16). Findings show that although most psychiatric nurses had adequate knowledge and good attitudes toward EBP, certain barriers prevented its application. Thus, there is a need for a policy framework to mitigate existing barriers and improve EBP facilitators in psychiatric nursing practices in Nigeria to improve productivity measures. [ Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 61 (9), 47–55.]