Instruments to Assess Evidence-Based Practice Among Health Care Professionals: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background The use of measurement instruments to assess the use of Evidence-Based Practice by health professionals has been frequently reported in studies. Aims This systematic review aimed to summarize, describe, and evaluate the measurement properties of the instruments that evaluate the use of Evidence-Based Practice in health professionals. Methods The search was carried out in four databases considering three groups of search terms: evidence-based practice, evaluation, and measurement proprieties. Studies were included that described the use of instruments to assess Evidence-Based Practice in health professionals, with the full-text publication, which analyzed the measurement properties, in English. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments. Results In total, 6,429 were found and only 92 were eligible for data analysis. Forty new instruments were identified most were developed for nursing and physical therapist. The investigators performed at least 1 type of validity test on 73% of the instruments. Reliability was tested at 90%, through internal consistency. Responsiveness was tested on less than half of the instruments (30%). Most of the instruments identified are reliable and valid to measure evidence-based practice in health professionals. Conclusion Although the Fresno Test remains the most complete instrument, and adequate for use. The COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments checklist classified 7 (seven) instruments as suitable for the target audience.

Development and psychometric testing of the actualisation of evidence‐based nursing instrument

“…Previously the main focus of evidence-based practice (EBP) implementation research and measurement in general has been on healthcare professional's characteristics that are considered as preconditions for EBP (da Silva et al, 2023). However, it has been critised that EBP implementation cannot solely rely on individuals' competence and actions.…”