Evidence-based practice utilization and associated factors among nurses in the emergency department of selected public hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2024: cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Evidence-based practice use refers to the integration of current, reliable, and relevant evidence into healthcare decision-making. This includes findings from studies, professional experiences, and updated guidelines aimed at minimizing biases and enhancing clinical decisions based on comprehensive research.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the use of evidence-based practices and identify associated factors among nurses working in the emergency departments of selected public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2024.

METHODS

This institution-based cross-sectional study assessed evidence-based practice use among emergency department nurses. A lottery method of simple random sampling was used to select 233 participants from 542 nurses registered in the nurse manager office. Only 233 nurses were invited to participate in the study, and only 225 responded, resulting in a non-response rate of 3.4% (equivalent to 8 nurses). Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire that was adapted and modified, comprising six sections with 59 items. Binary logistic regression was used to explore the associations between dependent and independent variables. Variables with a P value of less than 0.05 were deemed significantly associated with the utilization of evidence-based practices.

RESULTS

Among the 225 nurses who participated in the study, 101 nurses (44.9%, 95% CI: 39.0-52.0%) demonstrated good use of evidence-based practice. The analysis revealed several factors associated with the use of evidence-based practice. Female nurses had an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 1.4 (95% CI: 1.201-3.923) for evidence-based practice use compared with male nurses. Nurses with a Master's degree (AOR = 6.786, 95% CI: 1.141-40.352) and coordinator nurses (AOR = 13.191, 95% CI: 1.843-94.414) were also more likely to utilize evidence-based practices than staff nurses. Additionally, nurses with good knowledge of evidence-based practices had an AOR of 3.801 (95% CI: 1.700-8.498), and those who believed that relevant literature was unavailable had an AOR of 3.316 (95% CI: 1.334-8.246).

CONCLUSION

This study identified important factors affecting the use of evidence-based practice among nurses. Female nurses, those with advanced degrees, and nurse coordinators are more likely to engage in this practice. Good knowledge of evidence-based methods enhances their utilization, whereas beliefs about limited access to relevant literature can hinder such utilization. These findings suggest that improving education and access to research resources could boost patient care outcomes. Additionally, nursing leaders and administrators can help overcome barriers by providing training, allowing time off for EBP activities, and adjusting work schedules accordingly.