Connecting Evidence-Based Practice and Clinical Practice Guidelines With Bachelor of Science in Nursing Students

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Quality Improvement
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Evidence-based practice (EBP) is crucial for enhancing healthcare quality, patient outcomes, and cost-effectiveness.
• Current nursing curricula often inadequately prepare students in EBP, leading to graduates who undervalue or struggle to implement EBP.
• This gap highlights a need for effective pedagogical strategies to foster EBP competency in future nurses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of an evidence-based practice (EBP) assignment in improving senior-level nursing students' beliefs about EBP.
• To assess the impact of analyzing clinical practice guidelines on students' perceptions of EBP's value and applicability.

Main Methods:

• An evidence-based practice (EBP) assignment was implemented for senior-level nursing students.
• The assignment required students to critically assess clinical practice guidelines.
• Student beliefs regarding EBP were measured before and after the assignment.

Main Results:

• The EBP assignment positively influenced senior-level nursing students' beliefs about evidence-based practice.
• Students demonstrated an improved perception of EBP's value and their ability to utilize it in clinical settings.
• Assessing clinical practice guidelines was an effective method for enhancing EBP beliefs.

Conclusions:

• Implementing targeted EBP assignments, such as assessing clinical practice guidelines, can effectively enhance nursing students' EBP beliefs.
• Educational interventions are vital to bridge the gap between EBP knowledge and its application in nursing practice.
• Strengthening EBP beliefs early in nursing education is essential for cultivating a future healthcare workforce committed to high-quality, evidence-driven care.