Evidence-Based Practices in Nursing Education
Summary
Evidence-based practice in nursing education has evolved into a cornerstone for cultivating clinical competence, critical thinking and patient-centred care. Originating in the 1990s, this approach integrates the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values, fostering a rigorous yet adaptable curriculum. Core components include interactive teaching strategies, such as problem-based learning, simulation and group projects, which bridge theoretical knowledge and real-world application. Emphasis on information literacy ensures that students develop skills in literature searching, critical appraisal and data interpretation. Organisational support—through dedicated facilitators, access to guidelines and mentorship—has been shown to sustain EBP behaviours and embed change at individual and institutional levels. Despite clear benefits for patient safety and outcomes, common barriers persist, including time constraints, limited statistical literacy and variable faculty preparedness. Recent efforts therefore focus on longitudinal programme design, interprofessional collaboration and the use of implementation frameworks to promote durable uptake of evidence into both teaching and clinical practice, underlining the global significance of embedding EBP within nursing education.
Research from Nature Portfolio
No recent Nature Portfolio content available.
Evidence-Based Practices in Nursing Education publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in evidence-based practices in nursing education across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Evidence-based practice (EBP): A systematic process combining research evidence, clinical expertise and patient preferences to guide healthcare decisions.
Randomised controlled trial (RCT): An experimental study design in which participants are randomly assigned to intervention or control groups to assess the effect of an intervention.
Systematic review: A structured synthesis of findings from multiple studies, using predefined criteria to minimise bias and provide a comprehensive evidence summary.
Integrated Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (i-PARIHS) framework: An implementation model that emphasises facilitation, context, evidence and recipients to support the translation of research into practice.
Clinical competency: The combination of knowledge, skills and attitudes required to perform clinical tasks safely and effectively.
Lifelong learning: An ongoing, self-motivated pursuit of knowledge and skills throughout one’s professional career.
References
- The effect of an evidence‐based practice course on students' lifelong learning skills and problem‐solving skills: An educational intervention study. European Journal of Education (2024).
- Effect of evidence-based nursing practices training programme on the competency of nurses caring for mechanically ventilated patients: a randomised controlled trial. BMC Nursing (2024).
- Facilitating Evidence‐Based Practice among Nurses in a Tertiary General Hospital: A Six‐Year Practice of an Implementation Strategy Informed by the i‐PARIHS Framework. Journal of Nursing Management (2024).
Turn complex research questions into confident strategic decisions
When you're under pressure to set direction, justify investment, or understand your competitive position, you need more than raw data — you need trusted insights you can act on.
Benchmark your performance against global peers using robust, methodologically sound analysis.
Combine quantitative metrics with qualitative expert insight to uncover strengths, gaps and emerging opportunities.
Gain tailored, decision-ready recommendations aligned to your strategic priorities.
Talk to us to learn more about our data dashboards and bespoke strategy reports.
Grow research skills, confidence and careers with training built for every stage of the research lifecycle.
Developed with Nature Portfolio journal Editors and internationally renowned experts. Discover three ways to learn:
Self-paced, online courses in convenient bite-sized units, covering key skills across scientific writing, publishing, grant writing, data analysis, and more.
Expert trainer-led workshops with hands-on exercises and real-time feedback across core research skills, delivered via interactive group sessions.
Editor-led workshops combining core principles in writing and publishing, personalised 1:1 feedback from Nature Portfolio Editors and hands-on exercises.
Explore course catalogues and workshop agendas, enquire about the options or request institutional pricing.