The Relationship Between Point-of-Care Tool Use and Nurses' Self-Efficacy.

Abstract

Background: Despite benefits of evidence-based practice (EBP), barriers exist that prevent translation of evidence to point of care.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine types of EBP resources used by nurses, and correlate EBP resource use with nurse's self-efficacy.

Method: A descriptive correlational design was used.

Results: A total of 52 nurses participated. A wide range of EBP resources were used including hospital policies/procedures, education provided by an employer, and internet searches. Participants had high levels of self-efficacy with nursing skills. Nurses with lower self-efficacy were more likely to use colleagues as an EBP resource and had fewer years of nursing experience.

Conclusions: Nurses reported gaining information from a range of sources; unfortunately, not all sources were evidence-based. Removing barriers to EBP resource use and providing access to concise recommendations to nurses may improve use of EBP at the point of care.