This paper aims to review the article by Shifaza, Evans, and Bradley (2014) titled, “Nurses’ Perceptions of Barriers and Facilitators to Implement EBP in the Maldives.”
Relevance of the Title
The title of the article is simple, clear, and a true representation of the actual content and the objectives of the study. A first time reading of the article gives the reader information on what to expect from the paper.
Relevance of the Study
It is a requirement that any medical decision, nursing strategy, or intervention being applied or introduced be based on evidence. No decisions should be made out of mere thoughts or feelings, but only on scientific, well-researched, and published data. However, the implementation of such findings in the nursing field has been challenging, yet no one has complete knowledge of why the challenges are experienced or how to mitigate them. This article is, therefore, highly relevant and timely, as it will help in explaining some of the reasons nurses feel hindered in the process of evidence-based practice (EBP) implementation and what can be done to implement the process effectively.
Abstract
The abstract is short and categorically clear, covering all aspects of the paper. It indicates the aim of the research, the methodology applied, the main findings, and the conclusion drawn from the research process. Its simplicity ensures that it can be understood by anybody, irrespective of their field of study.
Literature Review
Shifaza, Evans, and Bradley (2014) did a great work in developing the background of the study. Explaining the meaning of EBP served to ensure that all the readers would understand what the concept meant and its importance. They also narrowed down to the importance of the practice in the Maldives, thereby justifying the importance of the study in the region. After a comprehensive introduction, the authors did a thorough literature review by analyzing the factors that may hinder or contribute to the implementation of EBP. An analysis of the different factors influencing EBP implementation at different levels, such as the organizational level, ensured that an effective justification for this study was established. It became evident that no literature had been published to analyze these factors at the level of nursing.
Aims and Objectives
The aims and objectives of the study were clearly outlined under a separate sub-heading to help the reader and anybody who wished to review or understand this study to quickly comprehend what the authors were looking for in this study.
Study Questions and Hypothesis
The study question to be answered by the study was clearly outlined as, “What are the perceived barriers and facilitators to research use among nurses in the Maldives (Shifaza et a., 2014, p. 2)?” This question was sufficient in addressing the aims and objectives of the study.
Framework
The selection of the study site was ideal, as it ensured high applicability of the study findings. The selected region, Maldives, is ideal as it has enough nurses and health institutions where EBP is supposed to be applied.
Methodology
The survey design selected for this study, as well as use of the BARRIER scale to measure the study findings was ideal and sufficient to address the study question. The use of questionnaires was the best approach because it helped each participating nurse to give their views freely. Although 400 nurses were a sufficient sample size, the low rate of completion of the questionnaire process, such that more than half of the participants did not complete the process, makes the administration of the study questionable. None of the subjects who participated in the study was forced to take part in the study. The SPSS 20 software was appropriate for analyzing the data and deducing the relevant findings, given the nature of quantitative data retrieved. The limitation of this method was that there was no mechanism put in place to deal with possible bias that could result from the questionnaires.
Results
The results were presented in easy to read and understand tables. Any clarification of information found on the tables was provided in the accompanying explanations. The results were the correct representation of the data obtained from the methodology used. The results also answered the study question sufficiently.
Interpretation of Results
Shifaza et al. (2014) did not develop a hypothesis that could have guided the interpretation of the results, but the interpretation provided was sufficient to explain the nature of the results obtained. The authors were able to classify the factors as either individual or organizational, making it easier for the administrators to have a clue about the areas of focus if EBP has to be fully implemented.
Relevance to Nursing Field
The field of nursing has fully grown to a level where there is development of nursing strategies, independent of physicians and other medical officers. For such strategies to be trusted and effective, they ought to be evidence-based and generated on the basis of well researched and published data. In most cases, however, the implementation of such research information is the main challenge. Therefore, understanding the factors that hinder or contribute to effective implementation of EBP from a nursing perspective can help the nursing officials and other stakeholders develop mechanisms on how to handle the situation. Eventually, EBP will be embraced by nurses and nursing services will be improved.
Conclusion
The study was timely and highly relevant to the nursing field. It was designed and executed properly, while its findings were presented and interpreted clearly. Proper application of these findings in the field of nursing will improve the rate of implementation of EBP. Subsequently, it will improve the nursing services, trust of the general public in nurses, and improved standards of life for the patients and other consumers of nursing services.
Reference
Shifaza, F., Evans, D., & Bradley, H. (2014). Nurses’ perceptions of barriers and facilitators to implement EBP in the Maldives. Advances in Nursing, (2014), 1-7.