INVESTIGATING THE INFLUENCE OF EVIDENCE-BASED NURSING PRACTICE ON PATIENT SAFETY INDICATORS AND HEALTHCARE QUALITY OUTCOMES

Abstract

Evidence-based nursing practice (EBNP) has emerged as a fundamental approach for improving healthcare quality by integrating scientific evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences into nursing decision-making. Despite its increasing recognition worldwide, many healthcare institutions in developing countries face challenges in implementing evidence-based approaches due to limited resources, inadequate training, and organizational barriers. This study investigates the influence of evidence-based nursing practice on patient safety indicators and healthcare quality outcomes in selected healthcare institutions of Lahore, Pakistan. The objective of the study was to examine how the adoption of evidence-based nursing practices affects medication safety, infection prevention, clinical decision-making, patient satisfaction, and overall healthcare quality. A quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire from 120 nurses working in public and private hospitals in Lahore. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis to determine relationships between evidence-based nursing practice and healthcare outcomes. The findings revealed a significant positive association between evidence-based nursing implementation and improved patient safety indicators, including reduced medication errors, enhanced infection control practices, and improved patient care outcomes. The study concludes that strengthening evidence-based nursing culture through professional training, institutional support, and continuous clinical education can significantly enhance healthcare quality. The findings provide practical implications for hospital administrators, nursing educators, and policymakers seeking to improve patient safety standards in Pakistan’s healthcare system.