Psychometric properties analysis of instruments assessing evidence based nursing barriers and implementation levels: A COSMIN systematic review of the literature

Objectives: This systematic review aims to evaluate the characteristics and psychometric properties of instruments designed to assess evidence-based nursing (EBN) competencies among nursing students. Design: Adhering to PRISMA and COSMIN guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and APA PsycINFO databases without temporal restrictions. Data sources: Fourteen articles meeting the inclusion criteria were identified and analysed, revealing tools specifically tailored for EBN assessment in nursing education. Review methods: The review focused on evaluating the identified instruments, emphasising their application frequency, ease of administration, and psychometric robustness. Results: Four tools emerged from the review: the Evidence-Based Practice Confidence Questionnaire (EBP-COQ), the Student Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire (S-EBPQ), the EKAN, and the Fresno test. Among these, EBP-COQ and S-EBPQ were noted for their widespread use and user-friendliness. Conclusions: The findings indicate a growing repertoire of assessment tools for EBN competencies among nursing students, with clear implications for educational practices and curricular development in nursing programs.