Barriers and enablers to implementation of evidence-based practice in nursing: A systematic review of literature

Background; Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) is an essential aspect of today’s healthcare landscape through which high-quality scientific research evidence can be obtained and translated into the best practical decisions to improve health outcomes. Nurses and midwives deliver the highest proportion of direct patient/client care, and therefore need to utilize evidence based practice to ensure quality patient care. Despite the great importance of evidence-based care, majority practices shown to be effective by research remain unused in the nursing field. Nurses and other health care providers often cite barriers that prevent its delivery.
Objective: To describe barriers and enablers to, successful implementation of evidence based Practice in nursing
Methods: A Systematic mixed-studies review of literature, synthesizing quantitative and qualitative research was done. The review involved a search on multiple data base engines which included COCHRANE, google scholar and PubMed.  A search of the database using keywords (implementation, adoption, compliance, Evidence based practice (EBP), nurses, barrier, challenges and facilitators was conducted.
Results: A total of 43 articles were reviewed. Two common themes were identified as barriers to EBP. Individual barriers and organizational barriers. Individual barriers identified include inadequate knowledge on EBP, time constraints and nurse’s attitude towards EBP. Organizational barriers were lack of administrative support and lack of autonomy in nursing. Enablers of EBP identified were administrative support, engagement of stakeholders and nurses autonomy
Conclusion: The key barriers to EBP implementation in nursing are deficient knowledge on EBP, time constraints and lack of autonomy in nursing. The barriers can however be overcome by supporting an environment that prioritizes EBP.
Recommendations: Addressing barriers to EBP implementation will enhance quality of nursing care leading to better patient’ outcomes. To mitigate the barriers, targeted enablers such as trainings and workshops on EBP, supportive leadership and increasing nurses autonomy ought to be put in place.