Authors:
Suman Vashist, Reny Thomas, Charu Thakur, Ekta Lohani, Pooja Chand
Addresses:
Department of Mental Health Nursing, Teerthanker Mahaveer College of Nursing, Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. Department of Mental Health Nursing, Happy Child College of Nursing, Sonipat, Haryana, India. Department of Paramedical, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Teerthanker Mahaveer College of Nursing, Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. Department of Child Health Nursing, Teerthanker Mahaveer College of Nursing, Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Abstract:
Nursing practice increasingly depends on systematic research use to guide clinical decisions and improve patient outcomes, yet variability in nurses’ research expertise can hinder evidence-based practice (EBP). This study examined the role of research expertise in nursing by describing nurses’ research knowledge, integration of research into practice, and perceptions of EBP, and by analysing associations with education and experience. A quantitative descriptive design was used with a purposive sample of 50 registered nurses. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire on demographics, research knowledge and skills, research integration behaviours, and EBP perceptions. Analysis in SPSS 26.0 used descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and t-tests with significance at p < 0.05. Most participants were female, with bachelor’s education predominating. Educational level showed a significant association with research knowledge, while years of experience did not. Overall, knowledge was low to moderate for most nurses, and integration of research into practice was generally occasional to frequent. Postgraduate-prepared nurses reported significantly higher integration of research than diploma or bachelor’s nurses. Perceptions of research were highly positive, particularly regarding support for decision-making and improved outcomes, yet integration remained only moderate. Findings indicate an implementation gap and highlight the need for postgraduate education, mentorship, and organisational support to strengthen consistent EBP in nursing.
Keywords: Evidence-Based Practice; Research Utilisation; Nursing Education; Work Environments; Clinical Decision-Making; Practice Integration; Nursing and Midwifery.
Received on: 05/02/2025, Revised on: 29/04/2025, Accepted on: 17/08/2025, Published on: 03/01/2026
DOI: 10.64091/ATISL.2026.000273
AVE Trends in Intelligent Social Letters, 2026 Vol. 3 No. 1 , Pages: 20–27