The Determinants of Nurses’ Knowledge Application: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Knowledge application in nursing practice is fundamental to evidence-based care, clinical decision-making, and improved patient outcomes; however, its effective integration is shaped by multiple individual, organizational, and contextual determinants. This systematic review examined the factors influencing nurses’ application of knowledge in clinical practice by synthesizing evidence from studies addressing knowledge utilization, evidence-based practice, and research use. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science was conducted, and eligible studies were selected using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were extracted and synthesized through a structured review matrix. Thirty studies were included. Findings demonstrated that knowledge application is influenced by nurses’ knowledge, professional competence, clinical experience, and attitudes toward evidence-based practice, alongside organizational factors such as leadership support, institutional policies, and resource availability. Contextual influences included workload, work environment, access to clinical guidelines, and technological resources. The review further identified important barriers and facilitators affecting knowledge utilization across diverse contemporary clinical care settings. Strengthening professional education, supportive leadership, enabling workplace conditions, and access to relevant technologies may enhance knowledge application, improve evidence-based nursing practice, and contribute to higher-quality patient care and healthcare delivery.