Experiences of nurses implementing evidence-based practice in an acute care setting in Nigeria: A qualitative study

Background: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is widely recognised as being relevant in improving nursing care. However, its implementation in nursing practice has been difficult for nurses, particularly in the developing countries. Existing evidence suggests that bureaucracy in organisational governance impacts implementation processes, however, the nature of this effect is not yet explored. Objective: The study examined experiences of nursing staff implementing EBP in a bureaucratic acute care setting in Nigeria.Methods: A qualitative exploratory design was adopted. A purposive sample of 11 ward managers and 12 staff nurses from a large acute care setting in Nigeria participated in the in-depth, face-to-face interviews. Data was analysed using the thematic analysis approach.Results: Four key themes emerged: (1) top down managerial approach; (2) nurse and nurse manager relations; (3) managerial prerogatives; (4) managerial autonomy.Conclusions and implications for practice: The Nigerian bureaucracy limits professional and managerial autonomy that nurses require in driving EBP implementation. Nurse Managers require greater leadership visibility and structural empowerment to create enabling environment for EBP implementation in nursing.