Longitudinal Comparison of Hospital Nurses' Values, Knowledge, and Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice.

Abstract

Hospital-based educators use resource-intensive residency and continuing education programs to assist RNs in delivering evidence-based practice (EBP). Yet, little is known about whether such programs improve or sustain nurses' EBP values, knowledge, and implementation. A two-group longitudinal posttest-only study was conducted using a convenience sample of 115 RNs; 51 participants received a comprehensive EBP continuing education intervention, and 64 participants received no intervention. Participation rates were 85% at 6 months and 65% at 12 months. Knowledge scores between the two groups were significantly different at 6 months and sustained at 12 months, although the intervention group comprised more master's-prepared nurses. EBP values and implementation scores did not differ between the two groups, and EBP values were not associated with EBP use. The only nurse characteristic demonstrating a statistically significant relationship with the outcomes was highest degree earned. Further research is needed with more robust study designs to determine how best to facilitate the use of EBP among hospital RNs. Support for RN advanced education and evidence-based continuing education strategies are recommended. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2020;51(5):209-214.].