Advanced Practice Nurses' Evidence-Based Healthcare Competence and Associated Factors in Finland and Singapore-A Cross-Sectional Study

Aim: To describe and compare the Evidence-Based HealthCare (EBHC) competence of Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs), and the factors associated with it in Finland and Singapore.

Design: A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study.

Methods: Data were collected from APNs working in healthcare in Finland (n = 157) or Singapore (n = 99) between May 2023 and October 2023 using a self-assessment instrument to measure EBHC competence (EBHC-Comp-APN) and an EBHC knowledge test. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, K-mean cluster and multivariate analyses.

Results: The self-assessments of APNs working in Finland and Singapore regarding their EBHC competence level varied and three distinct profiles of APNs' EBHC competence were identified in both countries. The strongest EBHC competence was in 'The Knowledge Needs Related to Global Health', while the weakest in 'Evidence Synthesis and Transfer'. The country-specific differences were identified in factors associated with EBHC competence.

Conclusion: The EBHC competencies of APNs vary widely and require planned and needs-driven development. In connection with the development of EBHC competence, the factors related to competence should be considered country-by-country.

Implications for the profession: The APN's EBHC competence should be systematically developed considering the factors associated with and the current level of EBHC competence.

Impact: The level of EBHC competence of APNs and associated factors should be identified when developing their competence and role in collaboration with APNs, leaders of healthcare and education organisations and policy makers. In addition, research into APNs' EBHC competence should continue.

Reporting method: The STROBE checklist was used in the reporting of the study.

Patient or public contribution: No patient or public contribution.