The effect of nurses’ attitudes toward evidence-based practices on medical error tendency: a descriptive and correlational study

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BACKGROUND: Nurses are expected to apply the best available evidence in their clinical decision-making processes to enhance patient safety and reduce the risk of medical errors. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the effect of nurses' attitudes toward EBP on their tendency to commit medical errors. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational design was used with a sample of 412 nurses. To reach nurses in public hospitals, we adopted a census sampling approach. Data were gathered through face-to-face interviews using a Google Forms questionnaire-accessible via QR codes and email-which incorporated the Attitude Toward Evidence-Based Nursing Scale and the Medical Error Tendency Scale in Nursing. Descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling (SEM) were conducted to test the hypothesized model in accordance with the STROBE guidelines. RESULTS: Nurses reported moderately positive attitudes toward EBP and comparatively low tendencies to commit medical errors. Postgraduate education was significantly associated with more positive EBP attitudes and lower error tendencies. The SEM results revealed a significant association between more positive EBP attitudes and reduced medical error tendencies (β = 0.41, p < 0.001). The proposed model showed acceptable fit indices. CONCLUSION: Positive attitudes toward evidence-based nursing were significantly associated with a reduced tendency to commit medical errors. RECOMMENDATIONS: Nursing leaders and policymakers should implement strategies to strengthen nurses' EBP attitudes and mitigate the risk of errors through targeted education, mentorship, and supportive organizational policies and practices. CLINICAL TRIAL: Not applicable.