Promoting evidence-based practice through a traveling journal club

Lifelong learning is essential in today's work world, with the rapid explosion of knowledge and technology. Busy nurses find the challenge overwhelming to keep pace with current practice. Journal clubs work within inpatient settings but not for ambulatory nurses where the pace is much different.

A group consisting of 2 clinical nurse specialists and the director of nursing research developed the concept of a traveling journal club where articles were selected specific to the needs of the population served by ambulatory nurses. Articles were selected on the basis of the complete review of the literature, evidence-based practice recommendations, and implications for practice.

A poster board was developed, an article was selected, and the board made the rounds to 7 ambulatory sites. Nurses appreciated the efforts by the group and found the traveling journal club to be worthwhile.

Methods of presenting materials to nurses in different work areas need to consider presenting the best approach to fit with the work flow and patient needs. Busy nursing inpatient and ambulatory settings do not have the luxury of time to sit, discuss, and critique literature. Alternative methods should be developed to assist the nurses in meeting their lifelong learning needs.

The traveling journal club idea was adopted by the inpatient units that face similar issues with time and patient needs. The traveling journal club was a success in the setting originally planned and extended to other areas.