Medicina Fluminensis, Vol. 62 No. 2, 2026.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.21860/medflum2026_346498
Perceived Readiness of Evidence-Based Practice Among Croatian Nurses
Marija Spevan
orcid.org/0000-0003-0288-2206
; University of Rijeka, Faculty of Health Studies, Rijeka, Croatia
Laura Cullen
; University of Iowa Health Care, Office of Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practicem, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
Stephanie W. Edmonds
; Abbott Northwestern Hospital, part of Allina Health, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
Kata Ivanišević
; University of Rijeka, Faculty of Health Studies, Rijeka, Croatia
Lukrecija Poropat
; University of Rijeka, Faculty of Health Studies, Rijeka, Croatia
Anita Terzić
; University of Rijeka, Faculty of Health Studies, Rijeka, Croatia
Andrica Lekić
orcid.org/0000-0002-6175-635X
; University of Rijeka, Faculty of Health Studies, Rijeka, Croatia
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Aim: To close the gaps between nurses' application of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) knowledge and their readiness to apply EBP, nurses need education and mentoring. Understanding nurses' EBP capability is an essential first step for planning to grow EBP. The aim of the research was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Croatian translation of the Nursing EBP Survey and to examine the perceptions of Croatian nurses about EBP. Patients and methods: The study was conducted from May to June 2021 with nurses working in different areas in Croatia. Data were collected using the validated 2005 Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Survey questionnaire. Results: A total of 210 registered nurses completed the survey. The exploratory factor analysis revealed five factors with strong internal consistency. Internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha was α=0.92 for the entire questionnaire. Statistical significance was found for all factors except Factor 3 for educational level and for nurses currently studying nursing for Factors 1 and 5 and for graduate level for Factor 4. No statistically significant difference was found with regard to age and length of service. Conclusion: We demonstrate that the Croatian version of the Nurse EBP Survey is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing nurses' perceptions of EBP and capacity within their organization. The results indicate that the level of education has a significant impact on almost all aspects of EBP. Through university-led curriculum updates and EU standards, Croatia is investing in the academic preparation of nurses as an important step for the national health system.
Keywords
evidence-based practice; nurses; psychometrics; surveys and questionnaires; validation study
Hrčak ID:
346498
URI
Publication date:
1.6.2026.
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