Factors influencing evidence-based practice among newly graduated Registered Nurses in Prince Edward Island, Canada

This study analyzes the factors influencing evidence-based practice (EBP) among newly graduated Registered Nurses in Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada. Evidence-based practice involves the application of the best available evidence to guide nursing practice. Nurses use their critical thinking skills and scientifically valid knowledge to provide quality care. Evidence-based practice helps nurses make effective clinical decisions, avoid habitual practice, and achieve better outcomes. However, achieving EBP is not without its challenges. The study involved 26 Registered Nurses who had graduated within the last three years. Using a cross-sectional survey design, it explored three areas of EBP: the sources of knowledge nurses use to inform their practice, the barriers and facilitators to finding and reviewing evidence, and the evaluation of nurses' skills in finding and using evidence. The data were collected using the self-administered Development of Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire (DEBPQ). Key findings reveal that nurses rely heavily on local policies, protocols, and patient-specific information to make clinical decisions, while medical, research, and journals/publications are infrequently used. Time constraints, lack of resources, and lack of authority to implement findings in practice were identified as significant barriers to EBP. Despite these challenges, nurses reported that their colleagues were generally supportive of changes in nursing practice. However, support from doctors was less robust. Nurses demonstrated a high level of skill in areas such as using the internet and reviewing and using organizational information to change practice. However, they lacked confidence in finding and applying research evidence. This suggests a possible need for additional training and support. These findings underscore the importance of addressing these barriers and providing additional training and support to nurses to promote EBP and continual improvement in nursing to optimize health care outcomes.