title: Clinical nurses' knowledge of evidence-based practice: constructing a framework to evaluate a multifaceted intervention for implementing EBP.
abstract: Critical reflection upon nursing practice is pivotal in achieving optimal patient outcomes. Implicit in this statement is knowledge about and an understanding of the implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP). This study sought to evaluate baseline knowledge in order to assess and inform a multifaceted intervention to promote EBP in a multi-site facility in Western Sydney, Australia. On two consecutive days in February 2003, a convenience sample of 229 nurses were surveyed using a five-item, investigator developed, written survey tool. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Although the majority of respondents (n = 143: 62%) stated that they were aware of EBP, a considerable number (n = 86: 38%) stated they had not previously heard of the term. Of concern, 43% (n = 99) of respondents were unable to identify a source of information and resources about EBP. The results of this observational, descriptive survey underscore the importance of ongoing strategic interventions to improve knowledge, access and implementation of EBP amongst clinical nurses. This study also provides baseline data upon which to evaluate local interventions to promote knowledge of EBP amongst clinicians.
authors.affiliation: Blacktown Mt Druitt Health, Sydney, New South Wales.
authors.forename: Bernice
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Mott
authors.forename: Joanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nolan
authors.forename: Nadia
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Zarb
authors.forename: Vanessa
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Arnison
authors.forename: Roxan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Tracey
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Codner
authors.forename: Therese
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Casey
authors.forename: Bronwyn
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Jenkins
authors.forename: Georgiana
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ulrych
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Blackburn
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Glanfield
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Halcomb
authors.forename: Patricia M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Davidson
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration; D004521:Educational Measurement; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000193:education*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination / Q000379:methods; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval / Q000379:methods; D017145:Models, Educational; D016294:Models, Nursing; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009517:New South Wales; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D010687:Philosophy, Nursing; D016730:Program Development; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires