Why does EBP lag in global healthcare?

Despite widespread recognition of the importance of evidence-based practice (EBP) and its potential to enhance care quality, patient outcomes, and cost-effectiveness, its implementation in routine healthcare settings worldwide remains surprisingly low. JBI seeks to understand the reasons behind this persistent challenge.  

Integrating evidence into practice is no easy task. Healthcare professionals encounter significant barriers at the individual, team, and organisational levels when trying to adopt EBP into their daily clinical routines.  

Most studies on EBP implementation barriers and facilitators have focused on acute hospital settings within specific geographic locations, potentially overlooking the diverse challenges in other healthcare settings.   

There is a pressing need for research that focuses on the perspectives and practices of General Practitioners (GPs), allied health professionals, nurses, and carers in various healthcare settings worldwide.   

To address this gap, JBI is conducting a comprehensive global survey. The aim is to understand healthcare professionals' and carers' perceptions and preferences regarding accessing and using evidence in clinical decision-making.   

"This knowledge is critical for understanding the facilitators and barriers to implementing evidence into practice. It will aid in developing innovative solutions for the practical integration of evidence into healthcare structures worldwide”, said Prof Zoe Jordan, Executive Director of JBI.   

Survey results will be accessible online. This information will ensure evidence providers meet the needs of those in acute, primary, aged care, and community settings and guide healthcare organisations and policymakers on the best ways to support evidence integration into practice.   

Healthcare professionals are invited to contribute to this vital research by completing the global survey by 9 November 2024.