Background:Evidence-based practice (EBP) can be defined as the integration of clinical expertise with client values and the available research evidence. Outpatient department (OPD) nurses are the first line to face patients and need to integrate nursing information for EBP. However, a major limitation lies in the fact that OPD nurses only have short time to talk to patients.

Objectives:The study wanted to understand OPD nurses’ confidence in evidence-based practice.

Methods:A convenience sample of OPD nurses from a medical centre completed a survey designed to measure nurses’ confidence in EBP. The survey consisted of the Evidence-Based Practice Confidence (EPIC) scale, as well as demographic questions.

Results:Of the respondents (n = 38), the mean age was 38.6 years (SD=5.94), clinical experience was 15.74 years (SD=6.88), learning EBP class time was 13.68 hours (SD=23.44), and the mean EBP confidence was 68.5% (SD=0.15). OPD nurses showed the more confidence in EBP. The lower confidence item is “Q7 Appraisal: interpret study results obtained using statistical procedures such as linear or logistic regression?” (M=5.05, SD=1.83). 82% said “It is difficult to read English papers”. On the other hand, they said there was no time to read EBP papers (55%). Only 26% wanted to join a journal club.

Conclusions: The OPD nurses need to construct their competency and confidence in EBP. The OPD nurses must to build their ability to apply EBP principles and help doctors to share decision making with patients.