The practice-based small group learning approach: making evidence-based practice come alive for learners.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Continuing Professional Development
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is crucial for Practice Nurses (PNs).
• Traditional CPD methods may not always translate to daily practice improvements.
• The practice-based small group (PBSG) approach offers a potential solution for relevant, applied learning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a pilot learning program for PNs in Scotland using the PBSG approach.
• To explore the effectiveness of PBSG in fostering learning relevant to day-to-day patient care challenges.
• To assess the suitability of PBSG for promoting evidence-based nursing practice.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving two groups of PNs in Scotland.
• Utilized the practice-based small group (PBSG) learning methodology.
• Data collected through participant logs of three consecutive meetings and semi-structured interviews.

Main Results:

• PNs reported motivation for joining PBSGs, positive group dynamics, and developing cohesion.
• Discussions within PBSGs led to habitual practices being challenged constructively.
• Learners considered various information sources, indicating a move towards evidence-based considerations.

Conclusions:

• The PBSG approach is suitable for CPD of PNs.
• PBSG learning can effectively challenge existing practices and encourage the consideration of diverse information sources.
• This method shows promise for enhancing evidence-based nursing practice among PNs.