Evidence-Based Practice (EBP): Belief and Competence among Staff Nurses in a Private Hospital in Iloilo City, Philippines

Abstract

Background: The increasing demand for high-quality, research-based nursing care highlights the importance of understanding nurses’ beliefs and competence in Evidence-Based Practice to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. Aims: This study aimed to determine the level of belief and competence toward Evidence-Based Practice among staff nurses in a private hospital in Iloilo City and to examine the relationship between these variables. Study Design: A quantitative, descriptive-correlational research design was utilized. Place and Duration of Study: Sample: The study was conducted in a private hospital school in Iloilo City, Philippines, during the year 2025–2026. Methodology: A total of 92 staff nurses were selected through random sampling. Data were collected using standardized instruments, namely the EBP Belief Scale by Abu-Baker and EBP Competence Scale developed by Melnyk et al. (2008) Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation were used to summarize the data. The Shapiro-Wilk test indicated non-normal distribution; thus, Spearman’s rho was employed to determine the relationship between variables. Ethical standards, including informed consent and confidentiality, were strictly observed. Results: The study indicates that staff nurses primarily male and concentrated in intensive care units demonstrate high levels of EBP belief (M=4.37) and competence (M}=4.27). While nurses expressed certainty that EBP improves clinical care, challenges remain in research methodology and data analysis. Significantly, a strong positive relationship exists between these variables, confirming that higher conviction in evidence-based principles directly enhances professional proficiency. Conclusion: Findings revealed that nurses demonstrated high levels of belief and competence toward EBP. A significant positive relationship was found between belief and competence, indicating that stronger belief in EBP is associated with higher perceived competence. The study concludes that strengthening nurses’ belief systems may enhance their competence in EBP implementation. These findings highlight the need for structured training and institutional support to sustain evidence-based nursing practice.