Exploring the influence of organizational culture on evidence-based practice adoption among nurses in tertiary hospitals: a qualitative study
Abstract Background Evidence-based practice (EBP) is widely acknowledged as a foundation for safe, high-quality nursing care. Despite institutional support and training initiatives, the integration of EBP into daily clinical practice remains inconsistent, particularly in tertiary healthcare settings...
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2025-08-01
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| Series: | BMC Nursing |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-03647-z |
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| author | Abdulaziz M. Alodhialah |
| author_facet | Abdulaziz M. Alodhialah |
| author_sort | Abdulaziz M. Alodhialah |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Evidence-based practice (EBP) is widely acknowledged as a foundation for safe, high-quality nursing care. Despite institutional support and training initiatives, the integration of EBP into daily clinical practice remains inconsistent, particularly in tertiary healthcare settings. Organizational culture plays a critical role in shaping nurses’ engagement with evidence, yet its influence remains underexplored in Middle Eastern contexts. This study explored how organizational culture affects EBP adoption among nurses in tertiary hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods A qualitative study using a phenomenological design was conducted between January and March 2025. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 20 registered nurses from three tertiary hospitals. Participants were purposively sampled for diversity in roles and departments. Data were analyzed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework. Results Four key themes emerged: (1) Culture of Hierarchy and Silence, where leadership distance suppressed nurse agency; (2) Inconsistent EBP Messaging, reflecting a gap between institutional rhetoric and practice; (3) Peer Influence and Informal Norms, showing how unit-level cultures shaped EBP behaviors; and (4) Agency, Identity, and Professional Growth, highlighting nurses’ resilience and internal motivation to apply evidence despite systemic barriers. Conclusions Organizational culture significantly influences nurses’ EBP adoption. Hierarchical norms, symbolic compliance, and inconsistent leadership engagement hinder implementation, while peer support and professional agency act as enablers. Cultural and relational change strategies are needed alongside technical training to promote EBP in tertiary settings. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-c60236567b164f45b431ec975fca6521 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 1472-6955 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-08-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Nursing |
| spelling | doaj-art-c60236567b164f45b431ec975fca65212025-08-20T03:04:31ZengBMCBMC Nursing1472-69552025-08-0124111410.1186/s12912-025-03647-zExploring the influence of organizational culture on evidence-based practice adoption among nurses in tertiary hospitals: a qualitative studyAbdulaziz M. Alodhialah0Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, College of Nursing, King Saud UniversityAbstract Background Evidence-based practice (EBP) is widely acknowledged as a foundation for safe, high-quality nursing care. Despite institutional support and training initiatives, the integration of EBP into daily clinical practice remains inconsistent, particularly in tertiary healthcare settings. Organizational culture plays a critical role in shaping nurses’ engagement with evidence, yet its influence remains underexplored in Middle Eastern contexts. This study explored how organizational culture affects EBP adoption among nurses in tertiary hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods A qualitative study using a phenomenological design was conducted between January and March 2025. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 20 registered nurses from three tertiary hospitals. Participants were purposively sampled for diversity in roles and departments. Data were analyzed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework. Results Four key themes emerged: (1) Culture of Hierarchy and Silence, where leadership distance suppressed nurse agency; (2) Inconsistent EBP Messaging, reflecting a gap between institutional rhetoric and practice; (3) Peer Influence and Informal Norms, showing how unit-level cultures shaped EBP behaviors; and (4) Agency, Identity, and Professional Growth, highlighting nurses’ resilience and internal motivation to apply evidence despite systemic barriers. Conclusions Organizational culture significantly influences nurses’ EBP adoption. Hierarchical norms, symbolic compliance, and inconsistent leadership engagement hinder implementation, while peer support and professional agency act as enablers. Cultural and relational change strategies are needed alongside technical training to promote EBP in tertiary settings.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-03647-zEvidence-based practiceOrganizational cultureNursingQualitative researchProfessional identityTertiary hospitals |
| spellingShingle | Abdulaziz M. Alodhialah Exploring the influence of organizational culture on evidence-based practice adoption among nurses in tertiary hospitals: a qualitative study BMC Nursing Evidence-based practice Organizational culture Nursing Qualitative research Professional identity Tertiary hospitals |
| title | Exploring the influence of organizational culture on evidence-based practice adoption among nurses in tertiary hospitals: a qualitative study |
| title_full | Exploring the influence of organizational culture on evidence-based practice adoption among nurses in tertiary hospitals: a qualitative study |
| title_fullStr | Exploring the influence of organizational culture on evidence-based practice adoption among nurses in tertiary hospitals: a qualitative study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Exploring the influence of organizational culture on evidence-based practice adoption among nurses in tertiary hospitals: a qualitative study |
| title_short | Exploring the influence of organizational culture on evidence-based practice adoption among nurses in tertiary hospitals: a qualitative study |
| title_sort | exploring the influence of organizational culture on evidence based practice adoption among nurses in tertiary hospitals a qualitative study |
| topic | Evidence-based practice Organizational culture Nursing Qualitative research Professional identity Tertiary hospitals |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-03647-z |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT abdulazizmalodhialah exploringtheinfluenceoforganizationalcultureonevidencebasedpracticeadoptionamongnursesintertiaryhospitalsaqualitativestudy |