How can we achieve evidence‐based practice if we have a theory–practice gap in nursing today?

Abstract

How can we achieve evidence-based practice if we have a theory–practice gap in nursing today?¶The purpose of this paper is to discuss how nursing can achieve evidence-based practice when a theory–practice gap exists in nursing today. The paper commences with an introduction to the concept of evidence-based practice and a discussion of the relationships between theory, practice and the theory–practice gap. An analysis of the two concepts will then be presented from within the four pillars of nursing, namely management, practice, research and education. The paper will conclude with a discussion of whether evidence-based practice can be achieved in view of the theory–practice gap.