Journal clubs: a two-site case study of nurses' continuing professional development

Area of Science:

• Nursing research
• Evidence-based practice
• Knowledge translation

Background:

• Nurses often lack confidence in applying evidence to practice.
• Communities of practice are crucial for knowledge dissemination.
• Research on nursing journal clubs is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore intensive care unit (ICU) nurses' experiences in nursing journal clubs.
• To understand the impact of journal clubs on nurses' practice and confidence.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative two-site case study over six months.
• Involved 70 healthcare professionals (64 nurses) in monthly journal club meetings.
• Utilized interviews, focus groups, surveys, document analysis, and field notes.

Main Results:

• Journal clubs increased nurses' confidence and incentive to read research.
• They fostered a community of practice and reflection on practice.
• Reported changes in clinical practice occurred, though critical appraisal skill gains were modest.

Conclusions:

• Journal clubs can promote knowledge translation and evidence-based practice at the grassroots level.
• Their impact may be amplified when combined with strategies like involving graduate-prepared nurses.