A review of the role of nurse leadership in promoting and sustaining evidence-based practice

Aim: This integrative review aims to explore how nursing leadership influences evidence-based practice in contemporary health care settings. Background: Although managers and environmental ward culture have long been identified as being among the main barriers to evidence-based practice, there is little overall conceptualization and understanding of the specific role of nurse leaders in directly influencing and supporting this. Evaluation: The team carried out an integrative literature review (n = 28) utilizing PubMed, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library (2006–2016). Key Issues: The key role of leadership, the methodology used, and understanding and addressing barriers to or facilitators of the implementation of evidence-based practice emerged as key issues. Conclusion: Nurse managers have a particular influential role on the implementation of evidence-based practice in terms of providing a supportive culture and environment. For this they need to have an underlying knowledge but also to be aware of and address barriers to implementation, and understand the key role of nurse managers in creating and supporting the optimum environment. Implications for Nursing Management: Nurse managers need to facilitate and enhance nurses’ use of evidence-based practice. Both managers and nurses need to have the necessary academic preparation, support and resources required for practising using an evidence base.