Changes in evidence-based practice beliefs and implementation after a postgraduate educational program: A before-and-after study over one year

Abstract

Healthcare professionals are increasingly expected to use research evidence to improve healthcare outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine change in beliefs and implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) one year after participation in a 15 ECTS postgraduate educational program in EBP. We conducted a before-and-after study among 158 healthcare professionals in a postgraduate program in EBP. Participants completed the Norwegian version of the EBP Beliefs Scale and the EBP Implementation Scale at baseline and one year after the program. Results indicated increased scores from pre-test to one year follow up on the EBP Beliefs Scale and the EBP Implementation Scale. Participants in evidence-based network groups reported higher scores on the EBP Implementation Scale than those who did not participate in these groups. Further research should examine other factors that may facilitate implementation of evidence-based practice.