Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of evidence-based practice among health-care professionals: Results of a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study

Abstract

Objective: To study knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of evidence-based practice (EBP) among health-care professionals (HCPs). Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a pre-tested questionnaire regarding KAP related to EBP was administered to HCPs. The responses were compared based on level of education, work profile and years of experience. Results: Out of 93 HCPs (47.31% male), 64 (68.82%) were Doctor of Medicine or Master of Surgery and 63 (69.23%) were in clinical practice. Thirteen (14%) had experience of <5 years. Eighty seven (93.55%) HCPs were aware about the term “EBP.” Fifty-three (56.99%) were aware about core elements of EBP with significant difference in responses based on level of education (P < 0.0001). Sixty-two (66.67%) had understanding regarding usage of research findings in clinical practice with significant difference based on the level of education (P = 0.003586). Forty-five (48.39%) reported having discussions at workplace about EBP with significant difference based on level of education (P = 0.03991). Seventy-one (76.34%) HCPs responded that they ask patients about their preferences and consider them in decision-making. Eighty-two (88.17%) HCPs showed interest in improving knowledge of EBP with significant difference based on the highest level of education (P = 0.04043). Conclusion: In the studied population, awareness about the term “EBP” was good. There is further scope for improvement in literature search, understanding core elements of EBP, critical analysis of research findings, statistics, and knowledge to implement EBP. Most of the study population showed interest in improving knowledge about EBP.

Keywords

• evidence-based medicine
• evidence-based practice
• health-care professional
• research