Determining contextual characteristics required for improving the use of evidence-based knowledge in clinical practice

Aim: To identify and discuss the contextual characteristics requisite for improving the use of evidence-based knowledge in a locally rooted clinical practice in Denmark. Background: In order to assist nurses to understand and use evidence-based knowledge in practice, an understanding of the clinical context is required. Methods: A survey was conducted to understand how clinical nurses experienced assessing and using evidence-based knowledge in their daily context. Data were generated from an open-ended question. Thematic content-analysis was conducted. Results: 349 nurses responded. Three themes were developed: 1) A supportive culture for evidence-based practice in nursing; 2) Leadership with visible goals, and 3) Facilitators for knowledge sharing. Conclusions: Cultural change, leadership and knowledge sharing were identified as essential factors in clinical nurses’ access to and utilization of evidence-based practice. Future research needs to measure the impact of these factors on creating a learning culture and building knowledge networks between knowledge producers and users.