Evidence-based practice and rural health service delivery: knowledge and barriers to adoption among clinical nurses in Ghana

Abstract

Evidence-based practice (EBP) has gained appreciable recognition in health service delivery. Knowledge about EBP in developing countries, however, appears to be limited, despite practitioners’ understanding of the concept having a high propensity to influence adoption and implementation. This article presents findings from research conducted to investigate clinicians’ knowledge and barriers to EBP adoption in Ghana. Criterion purposive sampling was used to recruit 13 clinicians from Wa West District Hospital and health centres across the district to conduct qualitative interviews. Thematic analysis found clinicians have a paucity of knowledge about EBP as all clinicians considered sources of knowledge to include the Standard Nursing Guide and books. Findings uncovered clinicians paid very little attention to published scientific research and saw clients’ experiences as valuable sources of knowledge. Clinicians attributed limited knowledge of EBP to limited familiarity with the concept and poor technology regime. Practical and policy implications of findings are discussed.