Factors affecting the critical appraisal of research articles in Evidence-Based practices by advanced practice nurses: A descriptive qualitative study

Aim: To describe factors affecting critical appraisal of research articles in evidence-based practice by certified nurse specialists who were advanced practice nurses in Japan. Design: A descriptive qualitative study. Methods: Fourteen certified nurse specialists with master's degree were included by a snowball sampling to maximize the variety of specialty fields for advanced practice nurses in Japan. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted between November 2016 and March 2017. Interview guides included the experience of evidence-based practice and learning about critical appraisal. Results: The following four aspects were identified as factors affecting the critical appraisal of research articles in evidence-based practices—individual beliefs and attitude, learning status, organizational readiness and availability of research evidence. Each factor included both positive and negative aspects for critical appraisal in evidence-based practice. Patient or Public Contribution: If advanced practice nurses acquire knowledge/skills of critical appraisal, they would be able to select more appropriate care. This will increase to improve the health-related outcome for patients or populations.