Exploring facilitators and barriers to adherence to evidence-based practice among health professionals at Tirunesh Beijing General Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a qualitative study

Abstract

Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM), first defined by Dr. David Sackett, is “the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients.” Over time, the concept expanded to Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) to include all health professions, as outlined in the Sicily Statement, which also defines the necessary skills and educational qualifications to practice EBP effectively. To explore facilitators and barriers to adherence to Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) among health professionals at Tirunesh Beijing General Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted from April to August 2024. Data were collected through 27 key informant interviews and one focus group discussion involving six health professionals selected using purposive sampling. Thematic analysis was employed to identify key themes, supported by triangulation, peer debriefing, and member checking to ensure reliability and validity. Barriers to EBP adherence included administrative and systemic challenges, workforce issues, resistance to change, resource limitations, and infrastructure gaps. Facilitators included strong leadership, resource availability, accountability systems, and supportive environments. Effective implementation, monitoring, and quality improvement initiatives were also critical in promoting EBP. This study highlights that adherence to Evidence-Based Practice among health professionals is influenced by a combination of individual, organizational, and system-related factors. Strengthening leadership support, improving access to up-to-date clinical guidelines and resources, and enhancing continuous professional development are essential to promote optimal adherence to EBP and improve the quality of healthcare delivery.