Commitment, perception and evidence-based practice training in Spanish nursing students: A multicentre cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aims and objectives To evaluate the commitment and level of self-perceived training in evidence-based practice among students of the Nursing degree of five Spanish universities.

Background In university Health Sciences degrees, evidence-based clinical practice can directly or indirectly impact the quality of care, the cost of the service provided and the safety of clinical practice.

Design Multicentre cross-sectional observational study according to STROBE guidelines.

Methods The evidence-based skills in Practice questionnaire (CACH-PBE, for its acronym in Spanish) and the Utrecht Work Engagement Student Scale (UWES-9S) were used. The study was performed in five Spanish universities (Alicante, Castilla La Mancha, Jaen, Huelva and Seville) from October to December 2020, with 755 participants (Nursing students).

Results A total mean score of 91.9 points (SD = 11.81) was observed for the CACH-PBE questionnaire and of 36.8 points (SD = 8.48 points) for the UWES-9S. In addition, the multivariate analysis predicted that variables such as sex, academia, university, intention to do a Master or Doctorate degree, the level of work engagement, and the previous training in evidence-based clinical practice were associated with a greater perception of evidence-based practice.

Conclusion The sample of Nursing degree students has intermediate-high levels of knowledge, skills and attitudes regarding evidence-based practice and work commitment, with differences observed between each of the universities.

Relevance to clinical practice Nursing students should develop from intermediate to high levels of knowledge, skills and attitudes regarding evidence-based practice and work commitment. There are various actions to promote EBP, such as the incorporation of a specific course covering the subject into the nursing curriculum, and the selection, for clinical practices, of care units that implemented evidence-based care.