Exploring the journey towards evidence-based clinical decision-making among emergency care personnel

Abstract

Emergency care personnel play a critical role in providing timely and effective care, where the use of evidence-based practices is essential for informed clinical decision-making. This study explored the extent to which emergency care personnel incorporate evidence-based practices into their clinical work. A descriptive cross-sectional study included nurses and paramedics from emergency departments and prehospital services in the eastern provinces of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected via an online survey that captured demographic information and responses to a questionnaire measuring Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) attitudes, knowledge, and clinical application. Group differences were analyzed using independent t-tests and one-way analysis of variance, with effect sizes reported. Correlations among attitudes, knowledge, and clinical practice were also examined, with significance set at p < 0.05. Among 224 participants, most were aged 21–30 years (105, 46.9%), male (118, 52.7%), and held a bachelor’s degree (178, 79.5%). Participants reported moderate mean scores for attitudes (2.92 ± 0.79), knowledge/skills (3.07 ± 0.51), and practice (2.83 ± 0.78). Prior EBP training was associated with higher attitudes ( p = 0.005) and practice ( p < 0.001), but not knowledge/skills ( p = 0.127). Education was significantly associated with all domains ( p ≤ 0.049). No significant differences were found by professional role, age, or clinical experience. Attitudes correlated positively with knowledge/skills and practice (both p < 0.001). Emergency care personnel reported moderate EBP scores. Higher education was associated with all EBP domains, while prior training was associated with attitudes and practice but not knowledge/skills. These findings provide baseline evidence to inform future EBP educational strategies. Not applicable.