Barriers to Implementing Evidence-Based Practice among Nurses in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review

Abstract

<jats:p>Background: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is essential for enhancing patient safety and care quality. This systematic review investigates the barriers to EBP implementation among nurses in Saudi Arabia. Method: A systematic review was conducted, analyzing original research published between 2013 and 2023 from databases including Scopus, Medline, and Google Scholar. Narrative reviews and non-original studies were excluded. A critical assessment tool was applied to evaluate each of the included studies. Results: A total of 10 studies were identified. Key barriers identified include time constraints and lack of organizational support, significantly hindering nurses' adoption of EBP. Educational initiatives to increase awareness of EBP and its processes have shown positive outcomes, such as fostering a supportive environment, enhancing nurse autonomy, and promoting interprofessional collaboration in quality improvement efforts. Conclusions: This review underscores critical barriers to EBP among nurses in Saudi Arabia, particularly time limitations and insufficient organizational backing. Implementing targeted educational programs can mitigate these challenges, fostering a more conducive environment for EBP adoption and ultimately improving healthcare quality. </jats:p>