title: Evidence-based practice competence: a concept analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report an analysis of the concept of evidence-based practice competence for nurses using Walker and Avant's (2011) eight-step, iterative concept analysis process as a guide.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, OVID, PsycINFO, and Sociological Abstracts were searched.
  
  
  RESULTS
  References were read and analyzed according to associated meanings, usages, attributes, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An operational definition for the concept was developed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A clear and operational definition of evidence-based practice competence will help guide nurses at all levels of experience to use the best available evidence for improving the quality of care and maximizing patient outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia; Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University, Atlanta, Georgia.
authors.forename: Natasha
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Laibhen-Parkes
mesh_terms: D003210:Concept Formation; D055318:Evidence-Based Nursing; D011361:Professional Competence
keywords: Competence; concept analysis; evidence-based practice; evidence-based practice competence; nursing