Climates and associated factors for evidence-based practice implementation among nurses: a cross-sectional study

Background: The organizational climate that fosters and supports the implementation of evidence is a key factor influencing the effective implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP). Nurses, being the largest group of medical staff, play a crucial role in EBP implementation. The perception of the climate for EBP implementation among nurses in their organizations is unknown, especially among Chinese nurses.

Aims: To clarify the implementation climate of EBP among Chinese nurses and identify the factors associated with the implementation and development of evidence-based nursing practices.

Methods: This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design. From March 2023 to April 2023, a sample of nurses (n = 1260) from two Tertiary care hospitals in central China were selected and surveyed by self-designed social-demographic questionnaire and Implementation Climate Scale. Multiple linear stepwise regression analysis was conducted to determine the predictors of implementation climate.

Results: The nurses achieved a mean ICS score of 59.10 ± 11.22, with mean scores exceeding 3 points for each sub-dimension and item. In the results of multiple linear regression, income satisfaction, implementation of evidence-based nursing practice project(s) within the unit, experience of evidence-based nursing practice during working life, and specific training or courses in evidence-based nursing practice were predictors of ICS. Of these, income satisfaction was the most significant predictor. These factors could explain 17.5% of the total variance in implementation climate.

Conclusion: The climate for implementing EBP in Chinese nursing organizations was relatively strong. Nursing managers can enhance the climate for implementing EBP in their organizations by actively improving salary and enhancing EBP-related trainings and practices.

Relevance to clinical practice: Understanding nurses' perceptions of the EBP implementation climate in their organizations can help to identify specific barriers and facilitators to the development of EBP and facilitate its successful implementation.

Patient or public contribution: Clinical nurses were involved in data collection and completed the questionnaires on EBP implementation climate.