Background The internet ensures rapid access to information that nurses can use to inform clinical practice. In the western world, guidelines, protocols and pathways are all readily available and driven by the promotion of evidence based practice. In the developing world where internet access is at best patchy and access to journals poor, nurses are limited in what information they can obtain.

Aims To explore what registered nurses perceived to be the best evidence to use to underpin clinical practice in the UK and Sub Saharan Africa.

Method 30 registered nurses from two groups, one in the UK (17) and Uganda (13), undertaking a research methods module as part of their degree in health studies /palliative care, individually ranked the statements of the hierarchy of evidence in order of strength. All respondents were based in clinical practice and had been registered nurses for between 3 and 32 years. Data was collected on the commencement of the modules, in 2011.

Results Only one student (from Uganda) got all elements of the hierarchy of evidence correct. 29% (5) of the UK and 33% (5) of the Ugandan students correctly scored the highest level of evidence. Yet, 88% (15) UK and 38% (5) Ugandan, scored level 5 (opinions from respected authorities as the highest level of evidence.

Conclusion In both countries it appears that the opinion from respected authorities is influencing clinical practice generally and also within palliative care. This poster discusses all of the results and suggestions are made for the findings. However it is essential that researchers are cognisant of this fact when considering the dissemination of research findings.