OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE
Studies of EBP in nursing focus primarily on research
utilization, though there is continuing debate about the
nature of evidence for practice (Scott-Findlay & Pollock
2004) and acknowledgement that research is only one type
of evidence (Rycroft-Malone et al. 2004b). Early studies of
research utilization often implied that using research was
the remit and responsibility of individual practitioners, although
this was recognized as less than straightforward
(Hunt 1981). The difficulties for nurses in using evidence
have been studied, particularly through the identification
of barriers to this (e.g., Funk et al. 1991a, 1991b; Bryar
et al. 2003; Kajermo et al. 2008). These studies have emphasized
that nurses have insufficient knowledge, skills,
and time for EBP, they also experience ongoing difficulties
in securing sufficient support from NMs. However, recognition
of such barriers seems to have had little impact on
increasing research use (Carlson & Plonczynski 2008).
EBP implementation (EBPI) is seen as a change process
that requires active management to support both the
conditions and skills required for evidence to be utilized
in practice for the benefit of patients (Mulhall & le May
1999).