Instruments for assessing healthcare professionals' knowledge and skills of evidence-based practice: A scoping review

Objective The aim of this scoping review was to describe the instruments used to assess the knowledge and skills of evidence-based practice (EBP) in healthcare settings. Methods A scoping review was undertaken. Three electronic databases (CINAHL, PubMed and Cochrane) were searched in January 2022. The search phrases consisted of the following terms: healthcare professionals, EBP, competence and instrument and their synonyms, keywords and MeSH terms. The database search was run without any limitations. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed to support reporting. Results Ultimately, 39 studies were included; most of them (35) were cross-sectional studies. The studies were conducted in 17 countries. A total of 17 evidence-based knowledge and skills instruments were identified. The Upton and Upton instrument was used in 19 studies. Twelve self-reported instruments were used only once. The psychometric properties of the instruments varied. The reliability was typically reported with Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The content of the EBP knowledge/skills instruments consists of five main categories: EBP, evaluation of current practice, preparation for the implementation of EBP, implementation of evidence and active participation in the development of EBP. Conclusion Almost all instruments are self-assessment instruments. Validated knowledge tests should be further developed. The instruments emphasise the preparation for the implementation of EBP. Further research is needed to develop instruments for healthcare professionals to assess the knowledge and skills of the implementation of evidence.

Automated summary

This scoping review aimed to describe the instruments used to assess the knowledge and skills of evidence-based practice (EBP) in healthcare settings. The review found that most of the instruments used were self-assessment tools, with the Upton and Upton instrument being the most widely used. The content of the instruments focused on EBP, evaluation of current practice, preparation for EBP implementation, implementation of evidence, and active participation in the development of EBP. The review suggested the need for further development of validated knowledge tests and the creation of instruments to assess healthcare professionals' knowledge and skills in evidence implementation.