ATTRIBUTES OF EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE DEMONSTRATED BY POSTGRADUATE RESIDENTS IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA

Objective: This study is designed to identify the attributes of Evidence-Based Practice demonstrated by postgraduate residents in tertiary care hospitals in KPK, Pakistan. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at tertiary care government hospitals in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province from March to August 2023. To achieve a 95% confidence level with a margin of error of 5%, the study aimed to collect data from a sample of 301 participants. This sample size was determined based on the assumption that the expected proportion of the population with the characteristic of interest is 31%. The instrument to assess healthcare professionals ‘perceptions, behavior, self-efficacy, and attitudes toward evidence-based health Practice (I-SABE) was used to collect data, and SPSS version 23 was used for data analysis. Results: Nearly half, or 48.4% (152 respondents), of the overall sampled population identified as male. This is a little higher than the percentage of women, which was 38.9% (122), with the majority in their second residence year 29.6% (93 respondents). With an average age of 34, the three main specialties represented were medicine, surgery, and gynecology. Self-efficacy, attitude, behavior, and patient care outcome scores of 24.22, 14.35, 30.07, and 24.49 on average were reported by residents, showing a modest level of confidence in their EBP skills. Confidence intervals and clinical trial measures were unclear to 42% (132) of respondents. Insufficient data (8.9% or 28 respondents) and problems with resource availability and time restrictions (14.3% or 45) were obstacles to the deployment of EBPs. Despite widespread support for medical research methods, consistent implementation was absent. Residents' confidence grew as training continued, with little significant gender difference in self-efficacy scores. Increased confidence correlated with improved behavior. Conclusion: Although medical research techniques are generally appreciated, their consistent implementation remains a challenge. The adoption of evidence-based practices (EBP) faces various obstacles, including limited resources and knowledge gaps. As residents progress through their program, their confidence and use of EBP concepts increase. Key words Evidence-based Practice, postgraduate residents, tertiary care hospital.