Evidence-Based Practice: Knowledge, attitudes, practice and perceived barriers among nurses in Oman

• Published in: Sultan Qaboos University medical journal Vol. 14; no. 4; pp. e537 - e545
• Main Authors: Ammouri, Ali A, Raddaha, Ahmad A, Dsouza, Preethy, Geethakrishnan, Renu, Noronha, Judith A, Obeidat, Arwa A, Shakman, Lina
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oman Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal, College of Medicine & Health Sciences 01.11.2014; Sultan Qaboos University
• Subjects: Attitudes; Clinical & Basic Research; Evidence-Based Practice; Knowledge; Nurses; Oman; Attitudes; Evidence-Based Practice; Knowledge; Nurses; Oman
• ISSN: 2075-051X; 2075-0528

The aim of this study was to describe nurses' practices, attitudes, knowledge/skills and perceived barriers in relation to evidence-based practice (EBP) in Oman. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between February and November 2012. A self-reported 24-item questionnaire was used to measure EBP practices, attitudes and knowledge/skills among a convenience sample of 600 nurses working in four governmental hospitals in Muscat, Oman. Responses were scored on a one to seven rating scale. Barriers to EBP were measured on a five-point Likert scale using two subscales. Descriptive statistics and general linear regression were used to analyse the data. A total of 414 nurses were included in the study. The greatest barriers to developing EBP among nurses were insufficient time for research (3.51 ± 0.97) and insufficient resources to change practices (3.64 ± 0.99). Nurses with more years of experience reported increased use of EBP (P <0.01), more positive attitudes towards EBP (P <0.001) and fewer barriers to research (P <0.01). Significant positive correlations were found between years of experience and practice (r = 0.16) and attitudes (r = 0.20). Nurses with a baccalaureate degree reported fewer barriers to research than those qualified at a diploma level (P <0.001). Nurses who perceived more barriers to research reported less use of EBP (P <0.001), less positive attitudes towards EBP (P <0.001) and limited EBP knowledge/skills (P <0.001). These findings provide a basis for enhancing nursing practices, knowledge and skills. Continuing education for nurses and minimising barriers is crucial to increasing the use of EBP in Oman.