To explore the factors affecting the sustainable improvement of nurses' evidence-based practice (EBP) competency after receiving an EBP training program.
A sequential mixed-methods study.
Thirty-seven ICU nurses participated from an adult ICU in Egypt. The qualitative phase used a category-generating approach with focus group interviews and content analysis. The quantitative phase followed a cross-sectional descriptive design using self-report questionnaires. The study adhered to the Good Reporting of a Mixed Methods Study (GRAMMS) guidelines and was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05941364).
Qualitative analysis generated six subcategories, organised into three overarching themes: working environment challenges, job dissatisfaction and organisational obstacles. Quantitative findings revealed low levels of motivation (M = 19.1, SD = 2.2, out of 60), self-efficacy (M = 18.4, SD = 8.66) and self-regulation (M = 124.9, SD = 52.6). The highest mean score was observed for the Sustained Implementation Support Scale (M = 94.7, SD = 5.0, out of 140). These variables showed negative correlations with the sustainability gap. Integration of findings through a joint display demonstrated a convergence of results regarding training program burden and low motivation.
Sustaining nurses' EBP literacy requires addressing long-term obstacles such as inadequate job satisfaction, limited workplace support and lack of team cohesion. Sustained organisational support and leadership development are essential for EBP clinical integration.
The study highlights key strategies for nurses' development to enhance care quality, including improving self-efficacy through mentorship and fostering a supportive work environment. Health policies should establish EBP as a core competency, offer flexible schedules, ongoing training, adequate resources, and empower nurse leaders for successful implementation.
This study addresses the critical challenge of sustaining nurses' competency improvements after EBP training. The findings are crucial for healthcare administrators, policymakers and educators aiming to design effective EBP training programs. By addressing these factors, the study has the potential to improve patient outcomes.
No patient or public contribution.
Health cadres, who assist midwives in supporting pregnant women in community settings, need to enhance their competencies in identifying risk factors and referring high-risk pregnant women to midwives for further care. Since the capabilities of these health cadres are influenced by maternal complications, an educational programme was implemented to strengthen their skills. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the competency of health cadres by providing a researcher-developed educational programme.
An open-label, cluster non-randomised controlled trial.
Health cadres with at least 1 year of work experience were recruited at six public health centres (PHCs) in Banjarnegara Regency, Indonesia.
Six PHCs were selected and allocated into intervention group (IG=3 PHCs) and control group (CG=3 PHCs) groups. A total of 133 female health cadres were enrolled across the selected PHCs. At each PHC, a systematic random sampling method was used to select the participants. The researchers and health professionals provided a 3-week period of theoretical and scenario-based simulations to the IG, while the CG received no education.
Researcher-developed questionnaires and checklists were used to assess the knowledge, skills (health assessment, communication, attitude) and confidence. The primary endpoint was competency, a total score of knowledge and skills. The outcome domains were compared between the two groups, and a linear mixed-effect model was used to account for cluster-level variation.
A total of 130 (97.7%) completed the study (IG:64, CG:66). The competency score showed significant improvement at endline (CG=49.5 and IG=52.5; p=0.002). The median scores for health assessment skills (CG=12 vs IG=14; p
Education effectively increased the competency of health cadres. A well-structured education programme is necessary for health cadres to improve and maintain their competencies in monitoring high-risk pregnant women.
Accidental hypothermia (AH) can occur in mild-to-severe cases; however, its management is crucial in severe cases as it can cause ventricular fibrillation and lead to death. Among various rewarming therapies for AH, endovascular catheter rewarming has been the focus of recent studies as a minimally invasive alternative to invasive internal rewarming, such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). However, no study has demonstrated the efficacy and safety of endovascular catheter rewarming therapy. This study aimed to validate the efficacy and safety of endovascular catheter rewarming for patients with AH.
The intensive care with endovascular catheter rewarming in accidental severe hypothermia (ICE-CRASH II) study is a multicentre, randomised study of patients with AH. This study will include patients with AH (age ≥65 years, core temperature
This study was approved by the Hokkaido University Certified Review Board (approval number: 024-00013). Written informed consent will be obtained from all the participants or their legally acceptable representatives. The results will be disseminated through publications and presentations.
Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT1012240051).