This research study was designed to evaluate the barriers to the implementation of evidence-based practice among nurses working at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, (FETHA II). The objectives of the study were to; ascertain EBP knowledge among nurses; identify their sources of knowledge; ascertain their extent of EBP implementation; and to identify their perceived barriers to reviewing research reports and changing practice on the basis of current best evidence. Four research questions guided the study. Related literature was reviewed and summarized. A descriptive survey method was used in carrying out the study. The study sample consisted of 90 registered nurses selected from a target population of 226, using a stratified random sampling technique. Instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire. The instrument was validated by the project supervisor and four other health promotion experts in other Nigerian universities. Reliability of the instrument was established by exposing the structured questionnaire twice to a pilot study group of 10 nurses at FETHA 2. Major findings from collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency, percentages and tables which showed that; nurses face a lot of barriers to using evidence in practice which include; poor knowledge of EBP as a concept, use of intuition and reliance upon past training experience in the delivery of care, time constraint, unsupportive staff and management, lack of authority to change practice, among many others .The following recommendations were made; the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), should incorporate EBP teachings into the curricula of various nursing training institutions, organising of workshops and seminars on EBP concepts, formation of EBP study clubs, updating libraries and provision of internet access by Nigerian Teaching Hospitals.
Keywords: Barriers, Evidence-Based Practice, Implementation, Nurses
