Individual and social system factors influencing evidence-based practices among nurses in general hospitals: A cross-sectional multi-institutional study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate evidence-based practices and examine the influence of individual and social system factors on evidence-based practices among nurses in general hospitals. BACKGROUND: Evidence-based practice is essential for improving healthcare quality. However, a challenge for nursing worldwide is nurses' limited use of evidence-based practices. It is crucial to determine the individual and social system factors affecting nurses' use of evidence-based practices. DESIGN: This study employs a multi-institutional cross-sectional design. METHODS: With a multistage random sampling method, 336 registered nurses were recruited from 17 general hospitals in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. Data were collected through a seven-part questionnaire, including the Evidence-Based Practice Implementation Scale and individual and social system factors. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. RESULTS: Nurses in general hospitals perceived low levels of evidence-based practices. Individual factors, such as perceived barriers (p < .001), knowledge (p < .001) and attitudes (p = .001), were related to EBP as well as social system factors, including the work environment (p < .001) which influence nurses' practice, explaining 34% variance among nurses. CONCLUSION: Nurses perceived the work environment as the most influencing factor related to evidence-based practices. Individual characteristics, including perceived knowledge, attitudes and barriers, were critical factors in performing evidence-based practices in Myanmar. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nurse administrators and policymakers can develop strategies and interventions for improving knowledge, attitudes and work environment towards evidence-based practice. Minimizing the barriers to evidence-based practice will promote evidence-based practices in Myanmar general hospitals. IMPACT: In addressing the individual and social system factors influencing the evidence-based practices of nurses, this study contributes to enhancing healthcare quality and outcomes. REPORTING METHOD: This study adhered to the STROBE checklist. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: There was no patient or public contribution.

Proposing a conceptual framework of spiritual care competence for Chinese nurses.

Spiritual care competence of nurses is crucial to satisfy the spiritual needs of the clients, but the dearth of conceptual frameworks has hindered the clarification of the construct, especially for nurses in the People's Republic of China. This article developed a 3*3*3 matrix framework to clarify the components of spiritual care competence for Chinese nurses through the synthesis of existing empirical and theoretical work, which includes three aspects (awareness, understanding, and application) on three levels (intrapersonal, interpersonal, and transpersonal) of three contents of spirituality (namely, worldview, connectedness, and transcendence). The proposed framework can be used as a model to promote spiritual care competence of nurses in China. Adoption of the framework to guide studies would allow for the design of interventions for the attainment of this competence.

Identifying the essential components of cultural competence in a Chinese nursing context: A qualitative study.

This qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted to identify the essential components of cultural competence from the perspective of Chinese nurses. A purposive sample of 20 nurse experts, including senior clinical nurses, nurse administrators, and educators in transcultural nursing, was recruited. Using thematic analysis, four themes: awareness, attitudes, knowledge, and skills, with two subthemes for each, were identified. Notably, culture in China was understood in a broad way. The participants' responses focused upon demographic attributes, individuality, and efforts to facilitate quality care rather than on the cultural differences of ethnicity and race and developing the capacity to change discrimination or health disparities. A greater understanding of cultural competence in the Chinese nursing context, in which a dominant cultural group exists, is essential to facilitate the provision of culturally competent care to diverse populations.

Readiness for self-directed learning among nursing students in Thailand.

This study took place in Thailand where didactic and lecture-driven teaching styles are beginning to transform into student-centered methods. At Chiang Mai University Faculty of Nursing in Thailand, the readiness of 272 undergraduate students to undertake self-directed learning was investigated using two instruments: a demographic data questionnaire and Guglielmino's Self Directed Learning Readiness Scale. The study found that the overall self-directed learning readiness of participants was at a high level in the categories of openness to learning opportunities, self-concept as an effective learner, initiative and independence in learning, informed acceptance of responsibility for one's own learning, creativity, and the ability to use basic study and problem-solving skills. The findings provide encouragement to nurse educators to further apply self-directed learning in nursing courses, to improve teaching and learning methods, and promote life-long learning for nurses within Thailand and elsewhere.

Assessing publication bias in meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although publication bias is a concern when using meta-analysis, techniques for assessing for its potential appear to be underused in nursing. OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate several methods, both graphical and statistical, of assessing for publication bias. METHODS: Four methods are described and demonstrated, ranging from the familiar fail-safe N to the trim-and-fill method, using the same contrived data set. RESULTS: Methods vary in their conclusion about the presence of potential publication bias in the example presented. Some limitations of the methods are noted to assist meta-analysts in determining which to consider using. CONCLUSION: Given that publication bias can affect the validity of meta-analytic studies, researchers are encouraged to use more than one method to assess for bias so that clinicians and decision-makers can have the best possible information available.