Knowledge and attitudes of nurses after completing the specialist training in epidemiological nursing towards the evidence - based practice — a preliminary report

Introduction. The issues related to the control of nosocomial infections have a particular significance and are one of the most important problems in healthcare facilities management. The introduction of effective methods of infection control requires the knowledge of epidemiological nurses towards the practice based on scientific facts.

Aim. The assessment of knowledge, attitudes and ability to apply Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) in daily practice by nurses after completing the specialized training in epidemiological nursing.

Material and methods. 37 nurses participating in the exam of epidemiological nursing (1 man); the percentage of survey return 86%. Mean age 44,62 years (min. 30, max. 57, SD = 6,20), mean length of service 22,19 years (min. 8, max. 32, SD = 6,59). 22 nurses had a master’s degree. A standardized questionnaire Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Profile Questionnaire, quantitative and qualitative analysis.

Results. 26 nurses are aware of the importance and development of EBP in nursing and the benefits of its use. 13 nurses have never rated the methodological correctness of the scientific literature and have not related them to their diagnosis (12). Although 21 nurses declared the ability to gain access to the scientific evidence and the use of electronic database (27), 13 admitted that reads the published results of scientific studies once a month or less.

Conclusions.

1. According to the intensive development of epidemiological nursing and predicted increased demand of nursing services in this field, there is the urgent need to supplement the knowledge and skills of nurses about EBP.


2. The lack of nurses’ sufficient knowledge about the methodology of scientific research requires systemic changes in majoring education in nursing and in the programs of postgraduate epidemiology education.

Nursing Topics 2015; 23 (2):150–159