Readiness for and predictors of evidence-based practice in Greek healthcare settings

Abstract

Background: Implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) remains limited in healthcare settings and knowledge of predictors of healthcare professionals' EBP activities is lacking.

Aim: To describe nurses' readiness for EBP and identify related predictors in Greek healthcare settings.

Results: Nurses scored high in the EBP readiness scale reflecting significant positive readiness toward EBP and consistently reported favorable attitudes toward and beliefs about EBP. However, half of them were unsure about their ability to engage in EBP despite the fact that they valued research-based practice as important. EBP specific domains including the "EBP-attitude", the "EBP-knowledge", the "informational needs" and the "workplace culture" and nurses' demographics as well, were found to be strong predictors of EBP readiness among Greek nurses.

Conclusion: As nurses are now more aware of and open to the idea of EBP, diverse strategies and well-designed interventions to facilitate the desired change to practice are needed.

Keywords: Attitudes; Evidence-based practice; Healthcare professionals; Nursing; Readiness.