Applying the i-PARIHS Framework to Understand Evidence-Based Practice Engagement in Primary Care Nursing: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: This study examined how organizational context influences nurses’ engagement with evidence-based practice in primary care.

Methods: A cross-sectional design was utilized. Data were collected from 652 registered nurses between July 2022 and December 2023. Organizational context was measured using the Alberta Context Tool, and engagement with evidence-based behaviours was assessed with the Evidence-Based Practice Implementation Scale. Regression and moderation analyses (PROCESS Model 1) tested whether resource availability strengthened the effect of leadership support on engagement.

Results: Leadership support was the strongest predictor of engagement with evidence-based practice (β = .012, P = .046). The model explained 7% of the variance in engagement (R2 = 0.07). Key organizational barriers were time pressure (76.8%), heavy workload (71.2%), and limited access to research resources (63.5%). Nurse managers (M = 4.59) and specialist nurses (M = 4.45) reported significantly higher engagement than general practice nurses (M = 3.91, P < .001). Moderation analysis confirmed that the impact of leadership was greatest in resource-rich environments.

Conclusion: Organizational context, especially leadership visibility and resource sufficiency, is central to embedding evidence-based practice in primary care nursing. Strengthening leadership capability, ensuring protected learning time, and improving infrastructure for knowledge access are essential for sustaining evidence-based practice engagement.

Cite this article as: Ominyi J, Nwedu A, Chima U. Applying the i-PARIHS framework to understand evidence-based practice engagement in primary care nursing: A cross sectional study. Arch Health Sci Res. 2026, 13, 0211, doi:10.5152/ArcHealthSciRes.2026.25211.