Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical Nursing Education: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)
• Clinical Education

Background:

• Nursing students need integrated evidence-based practice (EBP) education in both classroom and clinical settings.
• Existing literature on nursing students' EBP use in clinical education requires examination to identify research gaps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of research on nursing students' use of evidence in clinical education.
• To identify barriers and facilitators influencing nursing students' engagement with EBP.
• To evaluate strategies aimed at supporting nursing students' EBP adoption.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive scoping review was performed.
• The review described the extent, range, and nature of research activity.
• Literature focused on students' use of evidence in clinical education.

Main Results:

• Thirty-seven studies were included, detailing barriers and facilitators to nursing students' EBP.
• Common barriers identified include lack of EBP knowledge/skills, negative attitudes, and insufficient clinical support.
• Evaluated strategies, such as educational sessions and EBP projects, generally yielded positive outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Educators should implement combined educational strategies targeting identified barriers to EBP.
• Addressing knowledge gaps, fostering positive attitudes, and enhancing clinical support are crucial.
• Interventions focusing on these areas can improve nursing students' EBP integration.