[Obstacles perceived by nurses for evidence-based practice: a qualitative study]

Abstract

Aims: To examine the obstacles perceived by nurses to implement an evidence-based clinical practice.

Method: A qualitative study through semi-structured interviews conducted in 2010-2011 including 11 nurses purposively selected from public hospitals and community centres in Jaén and Córdoba (Spain). A content analysis was performed, using Miles and Huberman as a reference and comprising the following steps: data reduction, data presentation, and data conclusion/verification. Data saturation was reached in these categories (obstacles).

Results: The obstacles perceived by nurses to introduce an evidence-based clinical practice (EBCP) were grouped into 3 major categories: obstacles related with professionals (routine-based practice, unwilling and stagnant attitudes, and lack of training in EBCP), obstacles related to the social context (reluctance from other professionals and from patients or families), and obstacles related to the organization (obsolete cultures that do not promote innovation in nursing care).

Conclusions: This study highlights the persistence of various factors that hinder the use of research findings in clinical practice. The results underline the need to change the culture of healthcare organizations, to motivate professionals, and to break some of the resistance attitudes that hinder the implementation of evidence-based practice.

Keywords: Análisis cualitativo.; Enfermería; Evidence-based practice; Nursing; Obstacles; Obstáculos; Práctica clínica basada en evidencias; Qualitative analysis.