Pediatric Nurses' Knowledge, Values, and Implementation of Evidence-based Practice and Use of Two Patient Safety Goals

Abstract

PurposeTo describe knowledge, values, and implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) and use of two National Patient Safety Goals–Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infections (CLABSI) and Surgical Site Infections (SSI)–between nurses working in Magnet® versus non-Magnet® designated hospitals. BackgroundThere is a gap in the literature concerning nurses' understanding of EBP and how EBP guidelines are used in practice and if guidelines are being used as intended. The Conceptual Model of Nursing and Health Policy was used to guide the study. MethodsA descriptive survey methodology using three instruments was delivered electronically to members of the Society of Pediatric Nurses–the Quick-EBP-VIK, the Use of Evidence-based Practice Questionnaire, and a Background Data Sheet. ResultsResults revealed statistically significant differences between the Magnet and non-Magnet participants only for the Quick-EBP-VIK value domain; nurses from Magnet hospitals had a higher value for EBP compared with nurses from non-Magnet hospitals, nurses from both groups had a moderate amount of knowledge about EBP, and very few nurses indicated they were implementing EBP. There were no differences in CLABSI and SSI prevention care for patients in acute care hospitals in the United States by nurses working in Magnet versus non Magnet designated hospitals. ConclusionThe findings of this study have implications for practice, education, policy, and research. A disconnect between the use of policy and implementation of EBP has been identified. Specifically, nurses need to understand how EBP is embedded in hospital and organizational policy.