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.