Implementation of evidence-based practice across medical, nursing, pharmacological and allied healthcare professionals: a questionnaire survey in nationwide hospital settings

Yi-Hao Weng,Chiehfeng Chen,Ken N Kuo,Chun-Yuh Yang,Ya-Wen Chiu,Heng-Lien Lo

doi:10.1186/1748-5908-8-112

Abstract

BackgroundImplementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) is regarded as core competence to improve healthcare quality. In the current study, we investigated the EBP of six groups of professionals: physicians, nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, technicians, and other allied healthcare personnel.MethodsA structured questionnaire survey of regional hospitals throughout Taiwan was conducted by post in 2011. Questionnaires were mailed to all healthcare workers of 11 randomly selected hospitals. Linear and logistic regression models were used to examine predictors for implementing EBP.ResultsIn total, 6,160 returned questionnaires, including 645 from physicians, 4,206 from nurses, 430 from pharmacists, 179 from physical therapists, 537 from technicians, and 163 from other allied healthcare professionals, were valid for the analysis. Physicians and pharmacists were more aware of EBP than were the other professional groups (p < 0.001). Positive attitudes toward and beliefs in EBP were significantly lower among nurses than in the other groups (p < 0.001). Physicians had more sufficient knowledge and skills of EBP than did the other professionals (p < 0.001); in addition, they implemented EBP for clinical decision-making more often and perceived fewer personal barriers to EBP (p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that EBP implementation was associated with the following characteristics of participants: EBP training, having a faculty position, academic degree, one's profession, and perceptions (beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, skills and barriers).ConclusionsThis study depicts various levels of EBP implementation among medical, nursing, pharmacological, and allied healthcare personnel. There were significant differences in their implementation of EBP. We observed that certain factors were associated with EBP implementation, including personal backgrounds and perceptions toward EBP. The data suggest that strategies for enhancing EBP implementation should differ for various groups of professionals.

Highlights

Implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) is regarded as core competence to improve healthcare quality
Awareness of EBP In total, 10,770 questionnaires were distributed to healthcare professionals of the enrolled hospitals, with 6,360 questionnaires returned
Awareness of EBP was associated with the following personal characteristics: gender (p < 0.001), age (p < 0.001), working experience (p < 0.001), academic degree (p < 0.001), a faculty position (p < 0.001), a directorial position (p < 0.001), and one's profession (p < 0.001) (Table 1)

Summary

Methods

A structured questionnaire survey of regional hospitals throughout Taiwan was conducted by post in 2011. Linear and logistic regression models were used to examine predictors for implementing EBP

Results

Conclusions

Background

Have you confirmed your clinical decision-making through EBP implementation?

Discussion