Background Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) is widely endorsed as a cornerstone for high-quality, patient-centred care. However, its integration into daily clinical routines remains inconsistent, particularly in settings where cultural, educational, and organisational challenges persist. Reliable, contextually adapted tools are essential to measure EBP implementation and guide improvement efforts. Aims This study aimed to validate the Italian versions of the EBP Implementation Scale and its short-form (3-item) version. Methods A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Both versions of the EBP Implementation Scale were translated and culturally adapted in accordance with internationally recognised guidelines. Data were gathered from a national sample of 405 nurses through a combination of convenience and snowball sampling. Psychometric assessment encompassed confirmatory and Bayesian factor analyses, evaluation of internal consistency and test–retest reliability, measurement invariance testing. All analysis were performed in R Studio. Results Confirmatory factor analyses confirmed that both versions (long and short) of the scale measure a single underlying construct. The instruments demonstrated high reliability (ω = 0.96 and 0.87 respectively). Measurement invariance across educational groups was partially established, as the partial scalar invariance model demonstrated acceptable fit (CFI = 0.991, RMSEA = 0.045), suggesting consistent interpretation of the scale across different levels of EBP training. Latent profile analysis revealed distinct subgroups of EBP implementers, with notable differences in latent means (p < 0.001) associated with previous education in evidence-based practice. Discussion The Italian EBP Implementation Scales are valid and reliable tools for assessing EBP implementation behaviours. They can support education planning, monitor practice changes over time, and inform interventions aimed at enhancing evidence-based care.
Italian EBP Implementation Scales: A Psychometric Validation Study
Rosario Caruso;Francesca Reato;
In corso di stampa
Abstract
Background Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) is widely endorsed as a cornerstone for high-quality, patient-centred care. However, its integration into daily clinical routines remains inconsistent, particularly in settings where cultural, educational, and organisational challenges persist. Reliable, contextually adapted tools are essential to measure EBP implementation and guide improvement efforts. Aims This study aimed to validate the Italian versions of the EBP Implementation Scale and its short-form (3-item) version. Methods A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Both versions of the EBP Implementation Scale were translated and culturally adapted in accordance with internationally recognised guidelines. Data were gathered from a national sample of 405 nurses through a combination of convenience and snowball sampling. Psychometric assessment encompassed confirmatory and Bayesian factor analyses, evaluation of internal consistency and test–retest reliability, measurement invariance testing. All analysis were performed in R Studio. Results Confirmatory factor analyses confirmed that both versions (long and short) of the scale measure a single underlying construct. The instruments demonstrated high reliability (ω = 0.96 and 0.87 respectively). Measurement invariance across educational groups was partially established, as the partial scalar invariance model demonstrated acceptable fit (CFI = 0.991, RMSEA = 0.045), suggesting consistent interpretation of the scale across different levels of EBP training. Latent profile analysis revealed distinct subgroups of EBP implementers, with notable differences in latent means (p < 0.001) associated with previous education in evidence-based practice. Discussion The Italian EBP Implementation Scales are valid and reliable tools for assessing EBP implementation behaviours. They can support education planning, monitor practice changes over time, and inform interventions aimed at enhancing evidence-based care.
I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
