Abstract

AIM:

This paper is a presentation of a study to clarify the concept of evidence-based nursing and to explore the factors that influence evidence-based nursing by Iranian nurses.

BACKGROUND:

Evidence-based practice was introduced as an approach to high-quality care intended to improve results for patients. Several nurse researchers have studied factors affecting implementation of evidence-based nursing in western countries. However, there is little or no research on the perceptions of evidence-based nursing and its barriers in eastern countries, especially Iran.

METHODOLOGY:

Grounded theory method was used. Interviews with 21 participants and 30 hours of observation were conducted in hospitals in Iran during 2005. Constant comparative analysis was used to analyse the data.

FINDINGS:

Two main categories, 'the meaning of evidence-based nursing', and 'factors affecting it', emerged from the data. From participants' perspectives, evidence-based nursing was defined as 'caring for patients based on the nurse's professional knowledge in meeting patients' needs'. The second category, factors affecting evidence-based care, had six subcategories: possessing professional knowledge and experience; having time and opportunity; becoming accustomed; self-confidence; the process of nursing education; and the work environment and its expectations.

CONCLUSION:

Managers and educators need to be committed to the principles of EBP, provide resources and create a supportive environment for its implementation. Individual nurses also have a responsibility to carry out evidence-based nursing, and researchers should work with practitioners to generate high quality evidence to support nursing practice.