Knowledge, attitude and utilization of nursing theories among nursing personnel: A descriptive cross-sectional study

Aim To assess knowledge, attitude and utilization of Nursing Theories among Nursing Personnel working in a tertiary care centre in India. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a proportionate stratified random sample of 350 nursing personnel in a tertiary care centre in east-central India. A self-structured tool to assess knowledge, practice and utilization was distributed to nursing personnel via Google forms between, March 2024-April 2024. Results The results revealed that the mean scores for the knowledge, attitude, and utilization component being 2.58 ± 0.570, 53.64 ± 6.433, and 1.87 ± 0.740, respectively. Among the nursing personnel, the analysis does not show any significant (p-value > 0.05) difference in the mean scores of knowledge, attitude and utilization when comparing different designations, age groups, genders, levels of work experience, professional qualifications, and types of institutes, indicating that the observed differences could be due to chance. However, in utilization, when examining the nature of the job, a significant difference is observed. Conclusions It is important to practice nursing theories in clinical setting for better patient care. Theories of nursing contribute to richness of the profession and provide an identity to the profession. Barriers in implementing nursing theories in practice must be examined and a particular focus to be given.