Evidence-based practice self-efficacy of undergraduate speech pathology students following training

The aims of this study were to determine the self-efficacy of speech pathology students in conducting evidence-based practice before and after a comprehensive evidence-based practice course, and the impact of timing of the course (Semester 1/2).

Students attended a 13-week course in their final year of study. The evidence-based practice confidence scale (EPIC) was used to measure the students' self-efficacy pre- and post-training.

Ninety-two percent of students enrolled over six semesters participated. Students began the evidence-based practice course with high confidence in asking patients their preferences but low confidence in interpreting and analysing statistics. A significant improvement in confidence in all evidence-based practice areas was found, with greatest improvement occurring in the critical appraisal of research. Overall, the teaching had greatest effect on a group of skills for finding valid EBP information. There were significant differences between semester one and two students in only 18% of responses. Semester two students were more confident in half of these responses.

An evidence-based practice course made a significant difference to student self-efficacy across all aspects, with few differences related to timing of the course. Implications are discussed. Implications for Rehabilitation Health professionals must be confident implementing evidence-based practice throughout the course of their careers, as best practice changes over time. A capstone unit of study/course for undergraduate speech pathology students significantly improved their self-efficacy in implementing evidence-based practice. This has positive implications for evidence-based practice across a wide range of clinical settings including rehabilitation and disability as the graduate entry level students enter the workforce. For on-going success, graduate entry level students must continue to implement evidence-based practice as clinicians if they are to maintain their confidence and further develop their skill set.