Evidence-Based Practice

Objectives: the aim of this study was to describe nurses’ practices, attitudes, knowledge/skills andperceived barriers in relation to evidence-based practice (ebp) in oman. methods: this descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between february and november 2012. a self-reported 24-item questionnaire was used to measure ebp practices, attitudes and knowledge/skills among a convenience sample of 600 nurses working in four governmental hospitals in muscat, oman. responses were scored on a one to seven rating scale. barriers to ebp were measured on a five-point likert scale using two subscales. descriptive statistics and general linear regression were used to analyse the data. results: a total of 414 nurses were included in the study. the greatest barriers to developing ebp among nurses were insufficient time for research (3.51 ± 0.97) and insufficient resources to change practices (3.64 ± 0.99). nurses with more years of experience reported increased use of ebp (p <0.01), more positive attitudes towards ebp (p <0.001) and fewer barriers to research (p <0.01). significant positive correlations were found between years of experience and practice (r = 0.16) and attitudes (r = 0.20). nurses with a baccalaureate degree reported fewer barriers to research than those qualified at a diploma level (p <0.001). nurses who perceived more barriers to research reported less use of ebp (p <0.001), less positive attitudes towards ebp (p <0.001) and limited ebp knowledge/skills (p <0.001). conclusion: these findings provide a basis for enhancing nursing practices, knowledge and skills. continuing education for nurses and minimising barriers is crucial to increasing the use of ebp in oman.