A multi-institutional study of the perceived barriers and facilitators to implementing evidence-based practice.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
To examine perceived barriers and facilitators to implementing evidence-based practice among nurses working in psychiatric, geriatric, hospital and community settings in The Bahamas.


BACKGROUND
It is evident from previous studies that a number of factors exist which either obstruct or promote the utilisation of research evidence in nursing practice. Identifying these factors is vital to the successful uptake of evidence-based practice in nursing.


DESIGN
Descriptive, comparative study.


METHOD
Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. A stratified random sample (n = 100) of registered nurses participated; 5-point Likert-like scales were used to examine nurses' perceptions of barriers and facilitators of evidence-based practice. Descriptive statistics were used to describe demographic characteristics and to compare responses of nurses.


RESULTS
Participants were predominantly female (98.4%), in the 25 to <35 years age group (45.9%). Of nurses surveyed, 72.1% had never tried to implement evidence-based practice previously. The greatest barriers identified were as follows: "Inadequate resources for implementing research findings" (85.2%; n = 52) and "Inadequate training in research methods" (83.6%; n = 51). The top facilitators identified were as follows: "Training in research methods" (88.5%; n = 54) and "Organisational policies and protocols that are evidence-based" (86.9%; n = 53).


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses generally expressed that they required additional training in research and evidence-based practice concepts. Although some nurses had a desire to implement evidence-based practice to provide quality care and improve patient outcomes, many expressed that they lacked the required resources. The study draws attention to the need for prioritisation of evidence-based practice both at institutional and governmental levels.


RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE
Successful adoption of evidence-based practice implies combined efforts of nurses, healthcare providers and policymakers. Further research is needed to determine the best method for successfully incorporating evidence-based practice into nursing practice in The Bahamas.
['Duncombe|Daphne C|DC|http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2244-2662']
D000328:Adult D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel D004059:Diffusion of Innovation D055318:Evidence-Based Nursing D055317:Evidence-Based Practice D005260:Female D006801:Humans D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D024802:Nurse's Role D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
barriers facilitators evidence-based practice nursing Bahamas