Evidence-based nursing implementation in Mainland China: A scoping review

Background It is crucial to identify the challenges of evidence-based nursing implementation faced by countries in transitional stage. Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify the state of evidence on implementation in Chinese nursing contexts and to determine gaps that need to be pursued. Methods We performed a scoping review on existing literature on implementation studies conducted in nursing context in Mainland China. After systematically searching eight (four Chinese and four English) databases, we extracted and analyzed data from the included studies. Results Ninety-five articles met inclusion criteria. Publications were on the rise, with most funding from academic institutions. Most studies were quantitative, with patient outcomes as primary indicators. Eighteen studies used a theoretical framework. Frequently used strategies and barriers to evidence-based nursing implementation were mainly from the organizational level. Conclusions This scoping review indicates an urgent requirement of Chinese evidence-based nursing resources, more funding and support from clinical managerial level, cooperation between academic and clinical institutes, and a call for more rigorous studies of implementation science under a Chinese nursing context.