A Cross Sectional Study of Nurses’ and Nurse Educators’ Perceptions of Evidence-Based Practice in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is one of the countries in which the development of nursing and nursing education is currently progressing quickly. However, there is limited knowledge about the barriers to and facilitators of evidence-based practice in post-Soviet countries. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the current state of evidence-based practice from the point of view of Kazakh nurses and nurse educators. The aim was to produce research-based information that could be used in the reform and development of nursing in Kazakhstan. A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted to describe the current state of evidence-based practice in Kazakhstan. The Perceptions of Nurses of Evidence-Based Practice questionnaire was employed to collect the data. In total, 113 nurses and nurse educators responded to the questionnaire between 2013 and 2015. The results show that only 24, 5% of the respondents understood the definition and meaning of the concept of evidence-based practice. Several statistically significant differences were found between the groups in perceptions, attitudes and knowledge regarding evidence-based practice as well as promoters of and barriers to adopting evidence-based practice. The least frequently used print and electronic information sources were journal articles and medical and nursing libraries, respectively. All activities associated with evidence based approach practices were assessed as being important. Understanding the concept and implementation of evidence-based practice are necessary competencies in nursing education not only for students but also for educators. More focused research is needed related to the implementation of evidence-based approach to nursing education, nursing practice and management in Kazakhstan.