Knowledge and Implementation of Evidence-based Practice among Pediatric Nurses in a Children’s Hospital in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
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Abstract
Background: Evidence-based practice (EBP) supports clinical decision-making by integrating the best available research evidence, professional expertise, and patient preferences. In pediatric nursing, its application is particularly important because care must consider children’s developmental needs, safety, and family involvement.
Aim: To assess EBP knowledge and implementation among pediatric nurses in a children’s hospital in Saudi Arabia and explore associations with selected sociodemographic and professional characteristics.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 144 pediatric nurses working in different clinical units of a children’s hospital in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a questionnaire assessing EBP knowledge, implementation, and selected demographic and professional characteristics. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were planned to examine knowledge scores, implementation scores, and their associations with selected variables.
Results: Most participants were female (83.3%), aged 26–35 years (43.1%), and held a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (75.0%). Although 37.5% had more than 10 years of overall nursing experience, 36.1% reported previous EBP training and 30.6% reported involvement in research activities. The mean EBP knowledge score was 8.60 (SD = 1.25) out of 15. Implementation scores and their associations with knowledge and professional characteristics require verification using the original dataset before definitive results can be reported.
Conclusion: The participant characteristics and knowledge findings highlight opportunities to strengthen EBP education and research engagement among pediatric nurses. Structured training, mentorship, access to research evidence, and organizational support may help facilitate EBP implementation. Verified statistical analyses are needed to establish implementation levels and identify factors associated with EBP outcomes