Exploring the Association Between Lifelong Learning and Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69569/jip.2026.313Keywords:
Clinical practice, Evidence-based practice, Lifelong learning, Organizational culture, Professional developmentAbstract
Despite the established relationship between lifelong learning and evidence-based practice (EBP), limited qualitative studies have explored how these concepts interact in shaping nursing practice. The study explores the association between lifelong learning and EBP to understand how continuous professional development contributes to the effective implementation of EBP and optimized patient care standards. An in-depth qualitative single-case study was conducted involving five highly accomplished nurses from five different countries through semi-structured interviews following the American Nurses Association's Guidelines on Ethical Values. Thematic analysis by Braun & Clarke (2006) was employed to iteratively organize, code, and interpret data to extract and understand meaningful patterns or themes. The core finding was the "Culture of Continuous Improvement: The Symbiotic Relationship of Lifelong Learning and Evidence-based Practice," where a supportive organizational culture enables an individual's commitment to lifelong learning and the application of EBP. Foundational themes include the following: (1) The Rudimental Importance of Lifelong Learning for EBP and Patient Outcomes, (2) Personal and Collaborative Strategies for Professional Development, (3) The Critical Role of Organizational Culture and Leadership, and (4) Promoting and Sustaining EBP through Systemic Integration. The study implies that sustained excellence in healthcare results from a reciprocal relationship between a nurse's personal determination for knowledge and a healthcare institution's systemic support. It is recommended that healthcare institutions implement an inclusive framework integrating EBP into daily workflows, deliver strong leadership programs, and provide incentives that foster a lasting culture of continuous improvement in nursing.
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