Evidence-based practice among nurses in Italy.
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among a random sample of 449 nurses in Italy, using a self-administered questionnaire to assess knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding evidence-based practice (EBP). A significantly higher level of knowledge was observed among nurses who (a) did not work in medical and surgical wards; (b) believed that the evaluation of the efficacy of the health interventions is needed in their activity; (c) believed that the clinical experience must be combined with the evidence; (d) attended a course about EBP in the last year; and (e) received information from courses and scientific journals. The perceived importance of the application of guidelines and protocols was significantly higher among nurses who (a) worked in medical wards; (b) agreed that the guidelines are useful in identifying and selecting interventions; (c) believed that the evaluation of the efficacy of the health interventions is needed in their activity; (d) believed that the clinical experience must be combined with the evidence; (e) attended a course about EBP in the last year; and (f) received information from courses and scientific journals. Nurses were more likely to have modified their practice in the last year if they attended a course about EBP in the last year and if they often/always read scientific journals and guidelines. While these data were cross-sectional and the response rate was only 49%, the results suggest that continuing education programs are needed for improving nurses' knowledge and practice of EBP among nurses in Italy.
Department of Public, Clinical and Preventive Medicine, Second University of Naples, Via Luciano Armanni 5, Naples, Italy.
Alberico
A
Filippini
Alessandra
A
Sessa
Gabriella
G
Di Giuseppe
Italo F
IF
Angelillo
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D055318:Evidence-Based Nursing; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires