Changes in evidence-based practice self-efficacy among nursing students and the impact of clinical competencies: Longitudinal descriptive study.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is essential to ensure patient safety and improve the quality of nursing care. Nursing students' self-efficacy in employing EBP is crucial for the formation of a culture of EBP in healthcare organizations. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the changes in nursing students' self-efficacy in employing EBP and the extent to which clinical performance affects these changes. METHODS: This study was a longitudinal descriptive study. Participants were nursing students who had received education on EBP theory and had clinical practice experience. Convenience sampling was used to select nursing students in their third year of study at a nursing college located in the southern region of Korea in 2020. The researcher measured EBP self-efficacy and clinical competence using an online survey tool at three time points (second semester of third year, first semester of fourth year, and second semester of fourth year). Multilevel modeling was used to identify factors affecting changes in EBP self-efficacy. RESULTS: The results showed that nursing students' EBP self-efficacy increased over time. Nursing leadership (p = .022), nursing skills (p = .028), communication (p < .001), and nursing process (p = .003) were significant factors that affected the changes in EBP self-efficacy. Individual differences in initial levels and change rates were still observed. CONCLUSION: Systematic education on EBP theory and practical training should be provided to nursing students from the beginning of their studies to graduation to deepen their EBP and clinical competence.