Attitudes and Barriers Toward Evidence-Based Practice Among Nursing Professionals of Private Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Study
Background: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is essential in modern nursing practice for improving patient outcomes, ensuring quality care, and strengthening professional decision-making. Despite the recognized importance of EBP, several barriers limit its implementation in clinical settings. Objective: To assess the attitudes and barriers toward evidence-based practice among nursing professionals of Private Hospital. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among nursing professionals at Private Hospital, during a two-month internship period from 29th July to 30th September 2021. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data regarding knowledge, attitudes, and perceived barriers toward EBP. Of 108 nurses targeted based on calculates sample size, 61 registered nurses completed and returned the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings. Results: Most participants demonstrated positive attitudes toward EBP. Nearly all respondents agreed that EBP improves nursing practice (98.4%), brings rapid knowledge advancement (98.4%), and should be included in nursing curricula (98.4%). Major barriers identified included excessive workload and time limitations (96.7%), lack of interest in EBP (96.7%), lack of knowledge regarding EBP (96.7%), lack of training (96.7%), and limited access to resources (93.4%). However, peer support was not considered a major barrier by most respondents (90.2%). Conclusion: Nursing professionals showed favourable attitudes toward evidence-based practice; however, organizational and educational barriers continue to hinder its implementation. Continuous professional education, institutional support, and improved access to research resources are necessary to enhance EBP adoption in nursing practice. Key words: Evidence-based practice, nursing professionals, barriers, attitude, nursing education, cross-sectional study