Abstract
Rationale. Evidence-based practice (EBP) can improve health
care in underprivileged countries. Bolivia’s EBP movement is nascent and
the factors contributing to better implementation in nursing are
unknown. Aim. To explore Bolivian nurses’ readiness to engage
in EBP while highlighting the facilitators and barriers for pursuing
EBP. Method. International collaborators used a sequential
explanatory mixed methods study. First, general trends were disclosed
via a survey of 170 nurses in La Paz, Bolivia, holding at least a
baccalaureate regarding their perceived beliefs about EBP. The survey
identified facilitators and barriers for implementing EBP in acute and
ambulatory settings. Second, qualitative data was gathered via a focus
group of nine nurses with the purpose of enhancing the survey findings.
Results. The survey results showed that nurses believe that
engaging in EBP can improve their clinical practice. However, the
nurses’ research behaviors were found to be infrequent. Lack of support
from the nurses’ clinics and hospitals and from non-nursing
professionals were identified as barriers for engaging in EBP. The
qualitative results revealed underlying limitations to nurses’ clinical
practice, including “feeling undervalued.” Conclusions. There
is a dearth of EBP knowledge among Bolivian nurses stemming from a lack
of preparation in EBP environments, including EBP training
opportunities. This situation affects nurses’ professional dimensions of
relational work, power, and collaboration. Collaborative research among
educators, professional nursing societies, and local and international
organizations could provide initiatives for implementing EBP, based on
local health profiles. Key words: international collaboration,
evidence-based practice, nurse-multidisciplinary relationship, barriers
to EBP.