Evaluation of an Evidence-Based Practice Tutorial for Nurses: A Useful Tool and Some Lessons Learned.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Health Sciences Information
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Hospitals pursuing Magnet status require strong evidence-based practice (EBP) and research skills.
• Staff nurses at UConn Health identified deficits in searching and appraising EBP literature.
• Improving patient care is the primary goal, with Magnet status as a secondary objective.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement an online, self-paced tutorial to enhance nurses' EBP skills.
• To address identified gaps in literature searching and critical appraisal abilities among nursing staff.
• To support the hospital's journey towards achieving Magnet status through improved EBP competency.

Main Methods:

• An online, self-paced tutorial was created using the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE) instructional design model.
• Collaboration between a health sciences librarian and the hospital's Nursing Research steering committee was key.
• The tutorial focused on searching vetted EBP literature and appraising search results.

Main Results:

• The tutorial successfully addressed the identified need for enhanced EBP skills among nursing staff.
• Implementation of the tutorial facilitated the development of critical appraisal and literature searching competencies.
• The initiative provided a scalable solution for ongoing professional development in EBP.

Conclusions:

• Online, self-paced educational modules are effective for improving nurses' EBP skills.
• Librarian-nurse collaborations can successfully develop targeted educational interventions.
• Enhanced EBP competency contributes to improved patient care and supports organizational goals like Magnet recognition.