Psychometric Properties of the Short Versions of the EBP Beliefs Scale, the EBP Implementation Scale, and the EBP Organizational Culture and Readiness Scale

Abstract

Background Evidence‐based practice (EBP) is a problem‐solving approach to clinical decision making that leads to a higher quality and safety of health care. Three valid and reliable scales that measure EBP attributes, including the EBP Beliefs Scale, the EBP Implementation Scale, and the Organizational Culture and Readiness Scale for System‐Wide Integration of EBP, are widely used but require approximately 5 min each to complete. Shorter valid and reliable versions of these scales could offer the benefit of less time for completion, thereby decreasing participant burden. Aim The aim of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of the three shortened EBP scales, adapted from the longer versions. Methods This study used a descriptive survey design with 498 nurses who completed the three original EBP scales along with a shortened version of each scale. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted with principal components extracted to examine the factor structure of each EBP measure for the three shortened EBP scales. Item intercorrelations and the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy (KMO) were used to confirm the validity of using factor analysis. Reliability of each scale using Cronbach’s α was examined. Convergent validity of the three shortened EBP scales was assessed by correlating each shortened scale with its longer scale. Results Factor analysis supported the construct validity of each of the three shortened scales, as all item intercorrelations were greater than 0.40, and KMO values were 0.62 to 0.74. The shortened scales Cronbach alphas were 0.81 for the EBP Beliefs Scale, 0.89 for the EBP Implementation Scale, and 0.87 for the EBP Culture and Readiness Scale. The three shortened EBP scales had acceptable convergent validity (r = 0.42–.072) for the correlations between the shortened and longer scales. Linking Evidence to Action The three shortened EBP scales, which are valid and reliable, can be used as an alternative to the longer three scales to decrease participant burden when conducting program evaluations, research, or organizational assessments.

Budgetary investment in evidence‐based practice by chief nurses and stronger EBP cultures are associated with less turnover and better patient outcomes

“…An example item is, “I implement the steps of the EBP process in my practice.” Participants then respond using a 5‐point Likert‐type scale (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree ). The shorted EBP Implementation Scale is valid and reliable, with a previously reported Cronbach's α = 0.89 (Melnyk, Hsieh, et al, 2021). The Cronbach's α for this sample was 0.85.…”

“…Evidence‐based practice beliefs of the chief nurses were measured using the shortened EBP Beliefs Scale, a 3‐item scale that measures a person's beliefs about the value of EBP and the ability to implement it (Melnyk, Hsieh, et al, 2021). An example item is, “I believe that EBP results in the best clinical care for patients.” Participants are then asked to respond to the items using a 5‐point Likert‐type scale (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree ).…”

“…Evidence‐based practice implementation was measured using the shortened EBP Implementation Scale, a 3‐item scale that measures a person's ability to implement EBP (Melnyk, Hsieh, et al, 2021). An example item is, “I implement the steps of the EBP process in my practice.” Participants then respond using a 5‐point Likert‐type scale (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree ).…”

Academic‐Clinical nursing partnership utilising an evidence‐based practice model

“…The LETTER TO THE EDITOR a shortened scale feasibility. An article about the shortened scales can be referenced here (Melnyk et al, 2021).…”

Leaders and managers in nursing and healthcare are key to advancing and sustaining evidence‐based practice

“…Leaders and managers are key in building EBP cultures and infrastructures to support EBP. They need to first know where their organization is by assessing and continually monitoring EBP culture as well as EBP beliefs, knowledge, competency, and implementation in their staff with valid and reliable instruments, such as short versions of the EBP culture scale, the EBP Implementation Scale, and the Organizational Culture and Readiness Scale for System‐Wide Integration of EBP (Melnyk, Hsieh, et al, 2021). Leaders and managers must create an exciting team vision for EBP with their teams to keep them excited and engaged in making a cultural shift to consistent implementation of evidence‐based care.…”