Nurses' Experiences and Perceptions of Evidence-Based Healthcare Competence: A Qualitative Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Nurses are pivotal in EBHC implementation; however, its adoption remains limited, highlighting the need to investigate nurses' experiences and perceptions of their EBHC competence. Aim: To critically appraise and synthesise qualitative evidence of nurses' experiences and perceptions of EBHC competence. Design: A qualitative systematic review. Methods: The review followed the JBI methodology for qualitative systematic reviews. Inclusion criteria were qualitative studies published in Finnish, Swedish or English that explored nurses' experiences and perceptions of EBHC competence. Data were synthesised using JBI's meta-aggregation method and the findings were graded with the ConQual approach. Data Sources: CINAHL, Medic, PubMed, Scopus and grey literature from EBSCO Open Dissertations and MedNar, searched in December 2023. Results: Seventeen qualitative studies were included. The study findings were generated from four synthesised findings with low confidence scores. The synthesised findings were: (1) Nurses' competence in Global Health, (2) Nurses' competence in enhancing Evidence generation, (3) Nurses' competence in optimising Evidence Transfer and (4) Nurses' competence in effective implementation of evidence. A new finding of this systematic review was that nurses did not express their experiences or perceptions on evidence synthesis. Conclusion: Nurses' experiences of EBHC competence focus mainly on evidence implementation and global health. The lack of findings to evidence synthesis suggests that core principles of the EBHC model are not yet fully embedded in nursing practice. Nurses emphasised the need for greater support for developing EBHC competence. Implications for the Profession: Integration of EBHC into education, mentoring and adequate resources enhances nurses' competence, motivation and commitment to EBHC sub-dimensions, while also strengthening their professional confidence and development. Impact: Strengthening nurses' EBHC competencies contributes to supporting the delivery of high-quality, effective and sustainable healthcare services. Reporting Method: PRISMA guidelines followed. Patient or Public Contribution: None. Trial Registration: PROSPERO-registered: CRD42021285179.