Development and Psychometric Testing of the Implementation Self-efficacy for EBP (ISE4EBP) Scale

Abstract

There is inadequate research about nurses’ confidence in implementation strategies that foster the application and sustainability of evidence-based practice (EBP). Guided by Bandura’s self-efficacy theory, we propose that self-efficacy (confidence) in EBP implementation strategies can accelerate the uptake of evidence into practice to improve health care quality. The purpose of this study was to develop and test the psychometric properties of the Implementation Self-efficacy for EBP (ISE4EBP) scale as a measure for evaluating self-efficacy in using EBP implementation strategies. In a sample of 65 registered nurses, the 29-item ISE4EBP scale demonstrated adequate content validity (via content validity index), internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.987), and construct validity indicated by associations with organizational readiness for EBP. Clinicians may use the ISE4EBP scale to identify areas for building implementation confidence to accelerate the uptake of evidence to improve quality care.