Evidence-based Practice Facilitators Research Articles

Facilitating Evidence-Based Practice among Nurses in a Tertiary General Hospital: A Six-Year Practice of an Implementation Strategy Informed by the i-PARIHS Framework

Aims. To develop an evidence-based practice (EBP) facilitating strategy informed by the Integrated Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (i-PARIHS) framework and evaluates the strategy’s effectiveness on promoting EBP. Background. Nurses are increasingly expected to use research evidence in practice to improve patients’ outcomes, but the application of such evidence is still unsatisfactory. The facilitation of EBP in nursing needs the organization and the individual levels. Methods. Based on an analysis of EBP-promoting strategies and expert consultation, the core team of the nursing department developed an EBP group-based and project-oriented strategy under the guidance of the i-PARIHS framework. The strategy was implemented for six years and evaluated by a longitudinal design. The validated Chinese version of the self-reported Evidence Based Practice Questionnaire (EBPQ) was used to assess the attitudes, knowledge, and practice of the nurses. Results. The mean score of the total EBPQ was 4.46 (SD = 0.92) after one year of the EBP strategy, and the scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practice of EBP members were higher than those of general nurses p<0.05. After four years, EBP members’ scores continued to increase. EBP groups conducted 51 EBP projects in the areas of emergency nursing, surgical and medical nursing, critical care, and so forth. Of these, 33 projects improved nursing practice by changing nursing procedures, upgrading nursing tools, and developing nursing standards, resulting in improved patient outcomes. Conclusion. The EBP group-based and project-oriented strategy can promote EBP. The composition of the EBP group, the annual audit of EBP projects, and the roles of internal and external facilitators were key components of this EBP-facilitating strategy. Implications for Nursing Management. The strategy is an organizational-level EBP-facilitation approach which can improve nurses’ academic preparation for EBP through ongoing training and sustained EBP behavior that involves annual projects.

Barriers and facilitators of evidence-based physiotherapy practice in Iran: A qualitative study.

To facilitate evidence-based practice (EBP) in physiotherapy in Iran and guide future improvements, it is crucial to identify what barriers and facilitators exist in the current system from the physiotherapist's perspective. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the barriers and facilitators of EBP in physiotherapy in Iran. This qualitative study was conducted using a phenomenological approach from January to July 2023 in Iran. The sampling process started with a purposive approach, and then an attempt was made to identify and interview more potential samples with the snowball approach. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the collected qualitative data. 44 individuals, including 37 physiotherapists and seven faculty members, participated in this study. Several barriers and facilitators to evidence-based physiotherapy practice in Iran were found and then put into three themes: (1) individual factors, (2) practice environment factors, and (3) extra-organisational factors. The most common barriers were time/workload pressures, financial incentives, lack of motivation, weakness in English, managers' pressures, inadequate awareness among patients, infrastructure limitations, poor economic situation, Internet restrictions, inappropriateness of the educational curriculum, difficult access to scientific research, and lack of insurance coverage for up-to-date therapies. Although most of the participants had a very positive view of physiotherapy based on scientific evidence, various obstacles have prevented this approach from being well implemented in Iran. Therefore, it is necessary to move towards minimising the existing barriers at the individual, practice environment, and extra-organisational levels by adopting effective multilateral policies.

Evidence-Based Practice Among Psychiatric Nurses: Knowledge, Attitudes, Organizational Readiness, Levels of Implementation, and Barriers and Facilitators.

The current study examined psychiatric nurses' views, knowledge, attitudes, organizational readiness, levels of evidence-based practice (EBP), as well as barriers and facilitators to EBP in a Nigerian tertiary neuropsychiatric hospital. This study used a cross-sectional descriptive research approach. Structured questionnaires were administered to all psychiatric nurses (N = 131) at the hospital. Results showed that psychiatric nurses had an acceptable degree of EBP knowledge and a positive attitude toward EBP. Levels of EBP implementation were below average, and organizational culture and preparation for EBP were moderate. Participants reported a moderate degree of barriers to EBP adoption (mean = 40.08, SD = 9.63), and a high level of assertion to positive facilitators of EBP (mean = 19.88, SD = 4.16). Findings show that although most psychiatric nurses had adequate knowledge and good attitudes toward EBP, certain barriers prevented its application. Thus, there is a need for a policy framework to mitigate existing barriers and improve EBP facilitators in psychiatric nursing practices in Nigeria to improve productivity measures. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 61(9), 47-55.].

How nursing stakeholders in the Republic of Ireland define evidence-based practice and why it matters.

Evidence-based practice (EBP) has garnered increasing exposure in professional healthcare discourse over three decades. While the term is used frequently, its interpretation varies widely. An accurate, shared understanding of what EBP means is essential to the achievement of EBP implementation in clinical practice. As part of a national study in the Republic of Ireland, nurses, midwives, educators, and students shared their personal understanding of what EBP was to them. To establish nurses', midwives', educators', and students' knowledge and understanding of the concept of EBP in the Republic of Ireland. In a national study exploring EBP beliefs, implementation, and organizational readiness for EBP among nurses, midwives, educators, and students, an open-ended question invited participants to explain what EBP is, in their own words. Content analysis was used to interpret participants' responses. Five themes emerged from the data from the single open-ended question: (1) varying definitions of EBP, (2) best practice, (3) nurses' and midwives' role in EBP, (4) knowledge, and (5) barriers and facilitators of EBP. The dominant finding centered on the substantial conflation of EBP with research utilization and other concepts such as quality improvement. Poor knowledge and understanding of EBP is a fundamental challenge to EBP implementation. Conflation of EBP with research utilization and other healthcare concepts is not uncommon among nurses and midwives globally and has persisted for some time. This has the potential to hinder the advancement of EBP in nursing and midwifery and, therefore, measures to enhance EBP knowledge and promote EBP implementation are key. Professional regulating bodies, educators, and clinical and educational organizations all have a role to play. The findings from this aspect of this national study offer a realistic, context-specific starting point for tailored educational interventions for clinicians, educators, and students and identify professional and organizational strategies that promote EBP as the expectation and "the way things are done here."

Adhärenz und Einflussfaktoren evidenzbasierter Praxis in der physiotherapeutischen Versorgung in Deutschland – eine Querschnittstudie

BackgroundThe implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) is a central goal in health care. As in other areas, the transfer of scientific knowledge into clinical practice is very delayed or incomplete in physiotherapy. The primary aim of the present study is to describe the adherence to EBP among physiotherapists working in Germany. The secondary goal is the exploratory analysis of selected factors influencing the implementation of EBP. MethodsThe present exploratory analysis is based on the data of physiotherapists who participated in a cross-sectional study on the use of EBP by health care professionals (study registration no.: DRKS00013792). The participants in the online survey completed the “Evidence-based Practice Inventory”, a questionnaire with five dimensions used to quantify the adherence to EBP. Univariable and multivariable regression analysis was used to examine the associations between various sociodemographic characteristics and EBP. Results318 physiotherapists participated in the survey (age: 37±12 years; 60 % female; professional experience: 14±11 years). Approximately 70–80 % of the participants, in principle, had a positive attitude towards EBP and perceived EBP as helpful and useful in clinical practice. About 60 % of the respondents felt able to apply the principles of the EBP (e. g., acquisition, appraisal and application of external evidence). However, the data also showed that the implementation of EBP in clinical physiotherapeutic care is insufficient. For example, only 20 % of the respondents reported that their facility paid great attention to applying the principles of the EBP in decision-making, and only about a third of the respondents said that they frequently searched for or used external evidence. The strongest facilitators of EBP include the participation in scientific publications and more than one hour per week to read scientific literature at work. ConclusionIn principle, physiotherapists in Germany have a positive attitude towards EBP, but currently do not adequately take into account the principles of EBP. These factors should be further analyzed and targeted through effective interventions.

Barriers to and Facilitators of Evidence-Based Practice in Psychiatry Core Trainees in Northwest England.

Barriers and facilitators of evidence-based practice (EBP) in psychiatrists in training have only been researched with reference to prescribing decisions. We sought to quantitatively describe general EBP barriers and facilitators perceived by psychiatry core trainees (CTs) in England. A cross-sectional survey of CTs from a single English region in their 1st to 3rd year of specialist training (CT1-3) uses the EBP inventory, a 26-item questionnaire subdivided into the domains of attitudes, social norms, perceived behavioral control (PBC), decision-making preferences, and intention and behavior. This was analyzed using a multiple indicators multiple causes model. The response rate was 42.9% (72/168 CTs). In all, domain's responses overall tended to be positive toward EBP. The most commonly reported barriers were rarely discussing research literature, feeling incapable of staying up to date, aversion to statistics, a preference for intuition or experience, and a perception that EBP disregards the individual differences between patients. Attitudes, norms, and behavior all loaded onto their intended factors. The decision-making factor was not present and PBC subdivided into 2 factors: clinical and knowledge self-efficacy. Regression coefficients for predicting behavior from the other factors were attitudes - 0.16 (p = 0.34), norms 0.34 (p = 0.24), clinical PBC - 0.28 (p = 0.10), and knowledge PBC 0.613 (p = 0.01). Additionally, question 5 (EBP respects individual patients) and question 13 (discusses research literature with colleagues) independently predicted behavior (β = 0.388; p = 0.05 and β = 0.433; p = 0.01). EBP intention and behavior were associated with perceiving EBP as relevant to individual patients, discussion about research with colleagues, and knowledge self-efficacy.

Implementing Evidence-Based Practice Facilitators: A Case Series.

In 2017, the TriService Nursing Research Program completed a strategic planning session, which identified key barriers to implementing evidence-based practice (EBP) within the U.S. Military Health System (MHS) including a focus on readiness training and deployments, frequent staff moves for military members, and relatively junior nurses in clinical roles. To facilitate EBP at individual military treatment facilities (MTFs), an EPB Facilitator role was developed using an evidence-based model and based on validated EBP competencies. This new role was implemented at four MTFs in 2018: Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, 59th Medical Wing at Joint Base San Antonio Lackland, Naval Medical Center San Diego, and David Grant USAF Medical Center at Travis Air Force Base. This case series provides a description of the initial implementation of this role. Common enablers and challenges were identified from the experiences at all four sites. These included the importance of incorporating efforts into existing organizational efforts and infrastructure; the value of nurse leaders inviting EBP facilitators to participate and engage in scheduled meetings and committees; the significance of engaging with existing quality, process improvement, and training initiatives; and the benefit of collaborating with advanced practice nurses within the organization. The common challenges for all EBP facilitators were the frequent staff turnover at all levels and a lack of standardization to review and approve EBP initiatives, which makes it difficult to navigate the complete process of project implementation and collaboration across sites. Another challenge has been the difficulty to measure the impact of this role at the MTF and MHS levels. As EBP efforts continue and the program matures, it is anticipated that the outcomes from the individually completed projects, to include decreases in safety events, fiscal savings, and other improvements in organizational metrics, can be compiled to demonstrate the collective impact of these roles within the MHS.

Research awareness among children's nurses: An integrative review.

Developing nursing research skills, awareness and research utilisation are important for improving healthcare outcomes and are key to ensuring the full understanding and knowledge base necessary for optimal delivery of care. Nevertheless, little is known about research awareness in children's nurses. To address this issue, an integrative literature review was conducted for studies published between January 2007 and January 2017 to obtain up-to-date evidence about the extent of research awareness and utilisation among children's nurses. Using PubMed, Cochrane Library, ILISI and CINAHL databases, 21 studies related to children's nurses' research awareness were included in the final review, which was later developed and structured in keeping with PRISMA checklist and guidelines. The studies isolated show that nurses' knowledge about and utilisation of research vary and that there are many existent barriers to and facilitators of evidence-based practice in the paediatric setting. Some studies report that introducing a cultural and/or change in clinical practice change to improve research utilisation can have positive impacts on healthcare outcomes and the quality of nursing care of children. It is recommended that structured approaches to improving research utilisation be considered and additional research is needed to explore the benefits of these approaches. Despite more than three decades of the evidence-based practice movement within nursing, barriers still exist among children's nurses in the use of research in practice. If the use of research to improve the delivery of children's nursing care is to become a reality, then nurses' research awareness needs to improve to underpin care delivery with optimal evidence in a cohesive informed manner.

Attitudes, skills and use of evidence-based practice among UK Osteopaths: a national cross-sectional survey

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a clinical decision-making framework that supports quality improvement in healthcare. While osteopaths are key providers of musculoskeletal healthcare, the extent to which osteopaths engage in EBP is unclear. Thus, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate UK osteopaths’ attitudes, skills and use of EBP, and perceived barriers and facilitators of EBP uptake. UK-registered osteopaths were invited to complete the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude and Utilisation Survey (EBASE) online. Of the 5200 registered osteopaths in the UK, 9.9% (517/5200) responded to the invitation, and 7.2% (375/5200) completed the EBASE (< 20% incomplete answers). The demographic characteristics of the survey sample were largely similar to those of the UK osteopathy workforce. The osteopaths reported overall positive attitudes towards EBP, with most agreeing that EBP improves the quality of patient care (69.3%) and is necessary for osteopathy practice (76.5%). The majority reported moderate-level skills in EBP, and most (80.8%) were interested in improving these skills. Participating osteopaths typically engaged in EBP activities 1–5 times over the last month. Barriers to EBP uptake included a lack of time and clinical evidence in osteopathy. Main facilitators of EBP included having access to online databases, internet at work, full-text articles, and EBP education materials. UK osteopaths were generally supportive of evidence-based practice, had moderate-level skills in EBP and engaged in EBP activities infrequently. The development of effective interventions that improve osteopaths’ skills and the incorporation of EBP into clinical practice should be the focus of future research.

Home Healthcare Nurses' Attitudes, Confidence, and Engagement in Evidence-Based Practice.

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is becoming standard in today's healthcare arena and home care organizations are not exempt from integrating evidence into practice to improve patient outcomes. There is a scarcity of research literature that examines the behaviors and attitudes of home healthcare nurses (HHNs) regarding EBP. In this study, a descriptive survey design was used to investigate HHNs' a) information-seeking behaviors when providing nursing care, b) administrative support for EBP (as perceived by HHNs), c) attitudes toward EBP, and d) EBP engagement and confidence in providing EBP nursing care. Self-reported data were collected by internet and paper survey. The survey consisted of a 65-item questionnaire that included the Nurses' Attitudes Toward Evidence-Based Practice Scale, which has previously established validity and reliability. A convenience sample of 95 HHNs participated in the study. Results suggest HHNs' EBP attitudes are positive. A positive and significant relationship was found between attitudes and hours worked (r = 0.21, p = 0.047) and educational level (r = 0.45, p = 0.0001); 95% confidence level. Confidence levels in providing EBP care were moderate, and HHNs did not perceive EBP as an agency priority. HHNs need to be supported and encouraged in the facilitation of EBP, a task made easier when they are knowledgeable about EBP, have confidence in their EBP skills, and have the support of their organizations.

A multi-institutional study of the perceived barriers and facilitators to implementing evidence-based practice.

To examine perceived barriers and facilitators to implementing evidence-based practice among nurses working in psychiatric, geriatric, hospital and community settings in The Bahamas. It is evident from previous studies that a number of factors exist which either obstruct or promote the utilisation of research evidence in nursing practice. Identifying these factors is vital to the successful uptake of evidence-based practice in nursing. Descriptive, comparative study. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. A stratified random sample (n=100) of registered nurses participated; 5-point Likert-like scales were used to examine nurses' perceptions of barriers and facilitators of evidence-based practice. Descriptive statistics were used to describe demographic characteristics and to compare responses of nurses. Participants were predominantly female (98.4%), in the 25 to <35years age group (45.9%). Of nurses surveyed, 72.1% had never tried to implement evidence-based practice previously. The greatest barriers identified were as follows: "Inadequate resources for implementing research findings" (85.2%; n=52) and "Inadequate training in research methods" (83.6%; n=51). The top facilitators identified were as follows: "Training in research methods" (88.5%; n=54) and "Organisational policies and protocols that are evidence-based" (86.9%; n=53). Nurses generally expressed that they required additional training in research and evidence-based practice concepts. Although some nurses had a desire to implement evidence-based practice to provide quality care and improve patient outcomes, many expressed that they lacked the required resources. The study draws attention to the need for prioritisation of evidence-based practice both at institutional and governmental levels. Successful adoption of evidence-based practice implies combined efforts of nurses, healthcare providers and policymakers. Further research is needed to determine the best method for successfully incorporating evidence-based practice into nursing practice in The Bahamas.

Barriers and facilitators of evidence-based practice from the perspective of nurses who working in northwestern psychiatric centers of Iran

Evidence-based practice is an indicator of the quality of health and treatment care and plays an important role in improving the quality of nursing care. The purpose of the study was to determine the barriers and facilitators of evidence-based practice from the perspective of nurses working in psychiatric centers in the northwest of Iran. This research is a descriptive cross-sectional study with statistical population includes 270 nurses working in northwest psychiatric hospitals of country. Sample size was selected using census method. Data collecting tools consisted of two parts. The first part of the questionnaire included demographic information of nurses and the second part included a standard questionnaire of barriers and facilitators the evidence-based practice. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics and SPSSsoftware(ver. 21). The mean score of evaluating the barriers and facilities to apply the results of research in the field of practice in in nurses on the Bases of practice knowledge dimension was 41.54 ± 10.85 , which they had a low score .low in. The overall score in dimension of access barriers and review of evidences was 18.86 ± 7.19, which nurses had a medium score. The mean of total score was 9.93 ± 3.23, which nurses had a low score In the dimension of barriers to practice change based on scientific evidences. Also, the mean total score in self-assessment skills dimension was 13.70 ± 4.56, that nurses had a medium to low score. It is necessary to do needed facilities to reduce existing barriers in order to change the methods of care based on scientific evidences, with proper planning and policy making, and create an appropriate context for nurses in providing care with quality considering the essential role of nurses in maintaining care and promoting the health of the patients.

Nurses' Perceptions regarding Evidence-Based Practice Facilitators according to the Role Experience of Preceptor

In this paper, the purpose was to examine the perceptions regarding evidence-based practice facilitators according to the role experience of preceptor in nurses. Data were collected from 154 nurses at three tertiary hospitals and three general hospitals. The respondents had positive perceptions of belief in the value of EBP and organizational supports for EBP, whereas they had negative perceptions of skills in locating and evaluating research reports, knowledge of research terms and statistics, and time to devote to EBP. Of the subjects, 112 nurses had experienced the preceptorship. There were no significant differences in perceptions of EBP facilitators according to the preceptorship.

Barriers and Facilitators of Evidence-Based Practice in Pediatric Behavioral Sleep Care: Qualitative Analysis of the Perspectives of Health Professionals

Behavioral sleep problems are highly prevalent among young and school-aged children. Despite strong evidence for effective interventions, few children receive evidence-based care. In this study, 124 Canadian health professionals answered open-ended questions regarding barriers and facilitators of their provision of evidence-based behavioral sleep-related care, and responses were analyzed for content. Responses represented issues at an individual practice level, as well as broader systemic issues. The most frequently reported barrier and facilitator related to knowledge, training, and education. Other barriers included lack of time and institutional support, and facilitators included supportive sleep attitudes and beliefs. This study may inform the design of education programs for health professionals, and provides support for broader systems-level initiatives targeted at increasing evidence-based practice.

Identifying and Applying a Targeted Evidence‐Based Practice Change in the Maternal/Child Health Inpatient Setting

As the literature on implementation research continues to expand, it's important to address the unique aspects and challenges of research dissemination and implementation in maternal/child health settings. This article describes a nurse‐initiated evidence‐based practice (EBP) study on urinary catheterization at a labor and delivery unit in the southwestern United States. It describes successful strategies for implementing EBP, as well as barriers encountered, and provides recommendations for the facilitation of EBP in the maternal/child inpatient setting.

Development of a Program to Facilitate Evidence-Based Practice Based on the Transtheoretical Model

Purpose: This study developed a program to facilitate evidence-based practice (EBP) in one nursing organization, and identifies the effects of the program on the nurses' EBP facilitators. Methods: The program was based on the Transtheoretical Model of stages of organizational change, a literature review, the cases of hospitals overseas, and a prior study. To identify the effects of the program, a one-group pretest-posttest study was conducted with 45 nurses who participated in the EBP implementation. Results: The program consisted of EBP educational sessions, consultations with academic nursing faculty and clinical EBP mentors, and support from the administration and relevant departments. After the EBP program, there was a statistically significant difference in belief in the value of EBP between the pretest and the posttest (t=2.31, p=.026). However, no significant differences were found between the pretest and the posttest for organizational support to develop EBP (t=0.62, p=.537), skills in locating and evaluating research reports (s=-1.00, p=.987), knowledge of research language and skills (s=-1.00, p=.986), and time to devote to EBP (s=-23.00, p=.711). Conclusion: The findings provide important data that can be used to develop and implement strategies for enhancing EBP in clinical settings in Korea.

Following a natural experiment of guideline adaptation and early implementation: a mixed-methods study of facilitation

BackgroundFacilitation is emerging as an important strategy in the uptake of evidence. However, it is not entirely clear from a practical perspective how facilitation occurs to help move research evidence into nursing practice. The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, also known as the 'Partnership,' is a Pan-Canadian initiative supporting knowledge translation activity for improved care through guideline use. In this case-series study, five self-identified groups volunteered to use a systematic methodology to adapt existing clinical practice guidelines for Canadian use. With 'Partnership' support, local and external facilitators provided assistance for groups to begin the process by adapting the guidelines and planning for implementation.MethodsTo gain a more comprehensive understanding of the nature of facilitation, we conducted a mixed-methods study. Specifically, we examined the role and skills of individuals actively engaged in facilitation as well as the actual facilitation activities occurring within the 'Partnership.' The study was driven by and builds upon a focused literature review published in 2010 that examined facilitation as a role and process in achieving evidence-based practice in nursing. An audit tool outlining 46 discrete facilitation activities based on results of this review was used to examine the facilitation noted in the documents (emails, meeting minutes, field notes) of three nursing-related cases participating in the 'Partnership' case-series study. To further examine the concept, six facilitators were interviewed about their practical experiences. The case-audit data were analyzed through a simple content analysis and triangulated with participant responses from the focus group interview to understand what occurred as these cases undertook guideline adaptation.ResultsThe analysis of the three cases revealed that almost all of the 46 discrete, practical facilitation activities from the literature were evidenced. Additionally, case documents exposed five other facilitation-related activities, and a combination of external and local facilitation was apparent. Individuals who were involved in the case or group adapting the guideline(s) also performed facilitation activities, both formally and informally, in conjunction with or in addition to appointed external and local facilitators.ConclusionsFacilitation of evidence-based practice is a multifaceted process and a team effort. Communication and relationship-building are key components. The practical aspects of facilitation explicated in this study validate what has been previously noted in the literature and expand what is known about facilitation process and activity.

Facilitation of Research-Based Evidence within Occupational Therapy in Stroke Rehabilitation

Purpose: This study investigated the facilitation of evidence-based practice with the use of everyday life occupations and client-centred practice within occupational therapy in three settings of stroke rehabilitation. Method: The study was based on a phenomenological hermeneutical research approach, and inspired by participatory action research methods. Participant observations, focus group discussions and individual interviews took place over a period of 20 months. Text interpretation, developed by Ricoeur, was used in data analysis. Findings: The key role of the facilitator in the implementation of evidence-based practice as a change process was stressed. During the implementation, it was crucial that the therapists as a group had the opportunity to discuss local practice knowledge, and to appraise the knowledge use critically, in order to develop their practice knowledge and new skills adapted to local contexts. The implementation resulted in various new working routines. Learning processes became part of developing the occupational therapists' professional identities, expressed in more professional confidence. Collaboration in the organisation of the implementation process was significant. Conclusion: The main findings indicated that the use of participatory action research methods and theory of situated learning interacting with the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework provided useful perspectives and structures for the investigation of the implementation of evidence-based occupational therapy.

Ethics of Infant Relinquishment, Cultural Considerations, and Obstetric Conveniences

Ethical issues relating to infant relinquishment, caring for culturally diverse women, the importance of shared power between women and their caregivers, and the provision of evidence-based practice versus reliance on obstetric conveniences are addressed in this article. Respectful care of women relinquishing their infants including use of appropriate language demonstrates moral and ethical nursing practice; providing cultural competent care of multilinguistic, multicultural, and multiethnic childbearing women and their families is an ethical imperative. Nurses practicing ethically will foster adoption of best practices on perinatal and neonatal units, and generate a clearly articulated vision of woman and family centered organizational culture. In ethical terms, this demonstrates respect for others as well as beneficence. Promoting the use of ethical nursing practice and evidence-based practice requires that nurses identify change agents, those who are champions and facilitators of evidence-based practice, and then reward such innovators and make sure that clinical guidelines be developed based on best practices.

Implementing Evidence-Based Practice in Taiwanese Nursing Homes: Attitudes and Perceived Barriers and Facilitators

To date, there is a paucity of research investigating nurses' perceptions of evidence-based practice (EBP) in nursing homes, especially in non-Western countries. This descriptive, quantitative study investigated attitudes toward and perceived barriers and facilitators to research utilization among 89 Taiwanese RNs. The majority of nurses expressed positive attitudes toward research and EBP. The most frequently cited barriers were related to insufficient authority to change practice, difficulty understanding statistical analyses, and a perceived isolation from knowledgeable colleagues with whom to discuss the research. EBP facilitators included improved access to computers and Internet facilities in the workplace, more effective research training, and collaboration with academic nurses. These findings are similar to those from research conducted in Western countries and indicate that further education and training in research for nurses working in nursing homes would be beneficial.