Evidence-Based Practice Beliefs and Implementation Scales: Czech Versions of the Instruments

ABSTRACT

Background: Evidence-Based Practice Beliefs (EBP-B) and Evidence-Based Practice Implementation (EBP-I) Scales are psychometrically sound instruments that can be used to systematically study the effect of EBP educational programs. Czech versions of these instruments were developed and evaluated using a sample population of nursing students. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to test the psychometric properties of the Czech versions of the EBP-B and EBP-I Scales.

Methods: Psychometric properties were evaluated using a sample of nursing students (n = 132) completing EBP courses. Item and factor analyses and Cronbach´s alpha were computed to evaluate internal structure and internal consistency.

Results: Cronbach´s alpha was 0.847 for EBP-Beliefs scale and 0.891 for EBP-Implementation scale. Items with high levels of endorsement were focused on beliefs about the positive effect of EBP. Items with low levels of endorsement were focused on difficulties in implementing EBP.

Discussion: The results of psychometric analysis of the Czech versions of the EBP-B and the EBP-I are consistent with the results of the original study and indicate that the Czech versions have the potential to be valid, reliable and sensitive instruments for measuring an individual's beliefs about the value of EBP and their ability to implement it, and for measuring the extent to which EBP is actually implemented.

Linking Evidence to Action: Both instruments can be used to assess changes in nurses´ beliefs about EBP over time as well as the effectiveness of strategies aimed at promoting the use of evidence in practice.