Nurses' perception of evidence-based practice at the National University Hospital of Singapore

Background: A study was conducted at Singapore's National University Hospital to elicit registered nurses' attitudes, knowledge, barriers, facilitating factors, education, and training regarding evidence-based practice. Methods: A 13-question survey that was administered to all registered nurses yielded 1,114 (75.4%) usable returns for analysis. Results: Findings showed that Singapore nurses had a positive and supportive attitude toward evidence-based practice but lacked the competence and knowledge to conduct it. Time constraints were identified as the main barrier to implementing evidence-based practice. There is a need for proper training, mentoring by senior nurses, and adequate time for evidence-based practice. Nurses with a higher level of nursing education who indicated the greatest perceived barriers tended to have less difficulty applying evidence-based practice but identified a need for more training in information skills. Conclusion: Evidence-based practice is still in its infancy in Singapore compared with hospitals in other developed countries.