Factors affecting the critical appraisal of research articles in Evidence‐Based practices by advanced practice nurses: A descriptive qualitative study

AIM: To describe factors affecting critical appraisal of research articles in evidence‐based practice by certified nurse specialists who were advanced practice nurses in Japan. DESIGN: A descriptive qualitative study. METHODS: Fourteen certified nurse specialists with master's degree were included by a snowball sampling to maximize the variety of specialty fields for advanced practice nurses in Japan. Individual semi‐structured interviews were conducted between November 2016 and March 2017. Interview guides included the experience of evidence‐based practice and learning about critical appraisal. RESULTS: The following four aspects were identified as factors affecting the critical appraisal of research articles in evidence‐based practices—individual beliefs and attitude, learning status, organizational readiness and availability of research evidence. Each factor included both positive and negative aspects for critical appraisal in evidence‐based practice. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: If advanced practice nurses acquire knowledge/skills of critical appraisal, they would be able to select more appropriate care. This will increase to improve the health‐related outcome for patients or populations.