Evidence-Based Practice in Oncology Nursing: Oncology Nursing Society Survey Results

BACKGROUND Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a clinical decision-making approach that improves quality and outcomes in health care but is not yet standard in clinical settings. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine EBP beliefs, knowledge, implementation strategy self-efficacy, and competencies among a national sample of oncology nurses. METHODS Oncology nurses completed an online survey of EBP attributes and open-ended questions. Analyses were conducted on data collected from 893 participants from a range of healthcare organizations across a diverse geographic sample of the United States. FINDINGS Respondents rated themselves competent to question clinical practice to improve quality care. Oncology nurses reported competency to question clinical practice but deficits in EBP knowledge and skills.