Advanced practice nurses’ experiences of evidence-based practice: A qualitative study
Saija Ylimäki, Anne Oikarinen, Maria Kääriäinen, Arja Holopainen, Ashlee Oikarainen, Tarja Pölkki, Merja Meriläinen, Pirjo Lukkarila, Minna Taam-Ukkonen, Anna‐Maria Tuomikoski
Abstract
Evidence-based practice (EBP) has been shown to improve patient safety as well as quality of care. Advanced practice nurses (APNs) have a vital role in the implementation of EBP. This study aimed to describe APNs’ experiences of EBP implementation. The study was a descriptive qualitative study and data were collected between May and August 2019 through interviews with APNs ( n = 12). The data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. The study was reported according to COREQ guidelines. The responses were divided into four main categories: EBP in clinical nursing; EBP leadership; implementation of supporting structures for EBP; and EBP in APNs’ work. APNs experienced: that the realization of EBP varied in clinical nursing, that there was a need for development in the leadership of EBP, variation in nurse leaders’ competence in EBP leadership, and a lack of resources for EBP.