Perceived Knowledge, Attitudes, and Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice Among Jordanian Nurses in Critical Care Units.

Background: Evidence-based practice (EBP) has become of great interest to policymakers, health care practitioners, and researchers.

Objective: This study aimed at assessing knowledge associated with, attitudes toward, and implementation of EBP among Jordanian registered nurses (RNs) in critical care units.

Method: A descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional study was conducted in 5 hospitals: 3 public and 2 private. A convenience sample of 200 RNs was invited. Data were collected using a paper-based and self-administered questionnaire, in 2 sections; the first section was the demographic and contextual characteristics and the second was the Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire (J Adv Nurs. 2006;53(4):454-458) to measure RNs' knowledge, attitudes, and EBP.

Results: A total of 187 RNs were included in this study. Findings revealed that Jordanian RNs in critical care units perceived themselves as having a satisfactory level of knowledge and practice of evidence-based interventions. In addition, RNs strongly recognized the value of EBP. There were significant positive associations between EBP and knowledge associated with EBP (r = 0.708, P < .001) and attitude toward EBP (r = 0.490, P < .001).

Conclusion: Knowledge associated with EBP, a positive attitude toward EBP, higher educational qualifications, and training in EBP all increased the implementation of EBP. It is recommended that continuing education programs on EBP for nurses be conducted. Nursing educators in clinical settings have to consider a number of strategies to improve EBP. A qualitative research design and/or including open-ended questions are encouraged to gain more in-depth views about EBP.