JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Evidence-based practice is essential for delivering safe, high-quality nursing care, yet its implementation remains challenging due to barriers such as limited knowledge, lack of supportive organizational culture, and insufficient access to relevant knowledge at the point of care. Knowledge Management Systems (KMS) have the potential to bridge this gap by integrating evidence into the nursing process through technological support. Despite growing interest, the integration of KMS into daily nursing practice is still underexplored, especially from the perspective of frontline nurses.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to explore nurses’ perspectives on the requirements for a KMS that supports evidence-based practice at the point of care, with a focus on usability, process-integration into the electronic nursing care plan and patient chart, and implementation challenges and benefits.

Methods:

A qualitative study was conducted in a Swiss hospital using observations, focus-groups and individual interviews with six registered nurses, nine advanced practice nurses, two nursing managers and one head physician. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results:

The analysis revealed four main- and 10 subcategories, including the following: (1) Content of KMS, (2) Personal and structural factors of knowledge management, (3) Technical conditions of KMS, and (4) Implementation of a KMS. Participants emphasized the need for an intuitively structured, process-integrated system that links evidence-based information directly to the nursing interventions in the electronic nursing care plan and patient chart. Organizational support, interprofessional collaboration, and clear responsibilities were identified as critical for successful implementation.

Conclusions:

There is a clear need for a KMS that is user-friendly, seamlessly integrated into clinical workflows, and supports quick, reliable access to evidence-based knowledge. A KMS could enhance nurses’ access to reliable knowledge, promote evidence-based decision-making, and strengthen professional confidence at the point of care. Such systems may improve information retrieval and contribute to safer, more consistent nursing practice.