Background of the Study
Evidence-based practice (EBP) in nursing is a critical approach to ensuring high-quality patient care by integrating clinical expertise with the best available research evidence (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2023). EBP enhances patient outcomes, reduces variability in clinical practice, and promotes efficient healthcare delivery (Brown et al., 2024). However, despite its proven benefits, the implementation of EBP in clinical nursing remains a challenge, particularly in developing healthcare systems like those in Nigeria.
Borno State, located in the northeastern region of Nigeria, faces significant healthcare challenges due to ongoing security concerns, infrastructural deficits, and resource constraints. These factors impede the seamless integration of research-based interventions into clinical decision-making processes (Ibrahim et al., 2024). Studies have shown that nurses in resource-limited settings often rely on traditional practices and personal experience rather than up-to-date research evidence due to inadequate access to training and information (Oladipo & Nwachukwu, 2023).
Institutional barriers such as lack of organizational support, insufficient staffing, and poor leadership commitment further hinder EBP implementation. Additionally, the absence of a structured framework for integrating research findings into routine clinical practice limits the effectiveness of evidence-based interventions (Abubakar et al., 2024).
Given these challenges, this study seeks to examine the barriers to EBP implementation in clinical nursing in hospitals in Borno State, with the aim of providing recommendations for enhancing research utilization and improving patient care outcomes.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the global emphasis on EBP in improving healthcare quality, nurses in hospitals in Borno State continue to face significant challenges in its implementation. Existing research suggests that knowledge gaps, resistance to change, and inadequate institutional support contribute to the slow adoption of research-based interventions (Okafor et al., 2023).
Moreover, security instability in Borno State has disrupted healthcare services, limiting access to continuing professional education and relevant research materials. The lack of access to updated medical databases and training programs has further widened the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application (Usman et al., 2024). Without structured policies promoting EBP integration, many hospitals rely on outdated clinical guidelines, which negatively impact patient outcomes.
This study aims to critically examine the challenges hindering the implementation of EBP in clinical nursing in Borno State and propose feasible solutions to enhance its adoption.
Objectives of the Study
1. To evaluate the level of awareness and knowledge of EBP among nurses in hospitals in Borno State.
2. To identify the challenges impeding the implementation of EBP in clinical nursing.
3. To suggest strategies for enhancing the adoption of EBP in hospitals in Borno State.
Research Questions
1. What is the level of awareness and knowledge of EBP among nurses in hospitals in Borno State?
2. What are the challenges impeding the implementation of EBP in clinical nursing?
3. What strategies can be implemented to enhance EBP adoption in hospitals?
Research Hypotheses
1. Nurses in hospitals in Borno State have limited awareness and knowledge of EBP.
2. Institutional and contextual factors significantly hinder the implementation of EBP.
3. Providing targeted training and policy support can enhance EBP adoption.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study focuses on hospitals in Borno State, analyzing the barriers to EBP implementation among clinical nurses. It is limited to data obtained from selected hospitals, with potential constraints in accessing comprehensive institutional records. Security challenges in the region may also affect the breadth of data collection.
Definition of Terms
• Evidence-Based Practice (EBP): The integration of clinical expertise, research evidence, and patient preferences in healthcare decision-making.
• Clinical Nursing: The application of nursing practices in direct patient care within hospital settings.
• Research Utilization: The process of applying research findings to improve clinical practice.
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