2019 Volume 39 Pages 261-269
Aim: To clarify the use of research-based information and its relationship to critical thinking (CT) disposition among nurses.
Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire delivered to unit managers and staff nurses working at various units across Japan. We collected data on the characteristics of the hospital/units and nurses, CT, and the frequencies of use of the information sources. We operationally defined research-based information as clinical practice guidelines and databases of research papers.
Results: Data from 68 unit managers and 986 nurses from 61 hospitals were analyzed. (valid response rate: managers 93.2%, nurses 72.1%). The percentages of nurses who used clinical practice guidelines and databases of research papers in the year prior to completing our surveys were 58.4% and 32.8%, respectively. Nurses’ CT was significantly related to the use of clinical practice guidelines (odds ratio [OR]: 1.97, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.30–2.99) and databases of research papers (OR: 2.47, 95% CI: 1.58–3.85). Another factor significantly related to the nurses’ use of clinical practice guidelines was higher numbers of participation of academic conferences. Other factors significantly related to database use were unit type (general), having seminars about statistics in the hospitals, nurses’ lower age, higher numbers of nursing research conducted, and higher numbers of participation of academic conferences.
Conclusion: Fostering nurses’ CT may promote evidence-based practice implementation in Japan.
