The effect of nurses' perceptions of evidence-based attitudes on the quality of care: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Evidence-based practice, which is one of the key components of quality health care worldwide, has been emphasized more recently. Aim This study was conducted to investigate the effect of nurses' evidence-based attitudes on the quality of care. Methods This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 490 nurses actively working in Turkey. The Demographics Form, Attitude Scale for Evidence-based Nursing, and Caring Behaviors Scale were used to collect data. Structural Equation Modeling was used in the analysis of the research data, and the analysis was carried out using SPSS 22.0, AMOS V 24.0, G*Power 3.1 Statistical package programs. Results Beliefs and expectations towards evidence-based nursing were validated in the model established between the evidence-based practice intention and feelings about evidence-based nursing and Caring Behaviors Scale variables (F = 81.44; p = 0.001). It was determined that the model created in line with the hypotheses was compatible and the model fit indices were within the desired limits as x(2)/Sd = 3.256, RMSEA = 0.06, CFI = 0.98, GFI = 0.97, AGFI = 0.94, IFI = 0.98. The model shows that there is a significant and positive relationship between the attitude towards evidence-based nursing and the quality of care (t = 9.025, p < 0.001). Conclusion There is a significant and positive relationship between evidence-based attitude and care behaviors. It was found out that the evidence-based attitudes of nurses increase the quality of care. Further research could investigate specific interventions or training programs that effectively enhance nurses' attitudes towards evidence-based nursing and subsequently improve the quality of care provided.