Barriers and facilitators of evidence-based practice among lecturers at Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Uganda: a qualitative study

The implementation of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) in healthcare can significantly improve health outcomes and alleviate poverty, particularly in developing countries like Uganda. Despite its potential, EBP adoption remains limited due to challenges such as resource constraints and inadequate infrastructure. This study explores the barriers and facilitators of EBP implementation among lecturers at Makerere University College of Health Sciences (Mak-CHS) in Uganda, providing insights relevant to resource-limited settings. This qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews with 12 purposively sampled lecturers at Mak-CHS. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis to identify key themes related to EBP barriers and facilitators. Participants (n = 12) identified EBP as a relatively new concept in Uganda. Key barriers included resistance to change, lack of resources, inadequate organisational support, and insufficient locally generated research. Facilitators included strong organisational support, integration of EBP training into curricula, and the adoption of a ‘train-the-trainers’ approach. These factors are closely tied to the challenges and opportunities typical of resource-limited settings. EBP adoption in Uganda faces significant challenges, particularly within resource-limited environments. However, strong institutional support and targeted training programs, such as integrating EBP into undergraduate curricula and implementing ‘train-the-trainers’ strategies, are critical for overcoming these barriers. Implications for Practice: To enhance EBP adoption, it is essential to incorporate EBP training into healthcare curricula, develop robust ‘train-the-trainers’ programs, and ensure the availability of necessary resources. These strategies are crucial for fostering a culture of evidence-based decision-making in healthcare, particularly in resource-limited settings like Uganda. © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.