Determinants of Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical Decision-Making among Nurses in Primary Health Care Facilities

Background. Healthcare workers and institutions often face a lack of evidence-based and cost-effective care, which, if addressed, could improve practice and outcomes. Aim. To assess the determinants of implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) in clinical decision-making (CDM) among nurses in primary health care facilities. Methods. The study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional design involving 266 nurses from primary healthcare facilities in Ondo State. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered via the online survey platform Google Forms. Findings are presented in frequency and percentage tables, and inferential statistics were analyzed using Chi-square tests at a 5% level of statistical significance. Results. Knowledge has been identified as a key determinant in the implementation of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) in Chronic Disease Management (CDM) among nurses in primary healthcare facilities. The study revealed that 73.7% of respondents demonstrated a strong knowledge of EBP in CDM, with the highest levels reported among ward managers. Additionally, access to EBP resources and consistent support from employers were major factors influencing successful EBP implementation, with 86% of respondents affirming the importance of these supports. Regarding implementation levels, 53.4% of respondents reported high implementation of EBP in CDM, while the remaining 46.6% indicated low implementation. Conclusions. The study concluded that while nurses generally possessed good knowledge of Evidence-Based Practice, the highest levels of expertise were observed among ward managers. Key barriers to Evidence-Based Practice implementation in Chronic Disease Management were also identified, including limited network accessibility and inconsistent electricity supply. Keywords: determinants; implementation; evidence-based practice; clinical decision-making; nurses.