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An Innovative Approach to Teaching Evidence-Based Practice: Use of PICO Pal
Daria L Waszak1, Melissa Stec, Kady Martini
1Associate Dean and Assistant Professor (Dr Waszak) and Dean and Associate Professor (Dr Mihal), School of Nursing, Felician University, Lodi, New Jersey; Professor (Dr Stec), School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia; and Assistant Professor (Dr Martini), College of Nursing, Ohio State University, Columbus.
PICO Pal improved nursing students' knowledge of evidence-based practice (EBP) in a remote setting. However, the intervention did not enhance perceptions of group work effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Health Sciences
- Educational Technology
Background:
- Remote learning presents challenges in teaching complex topics like evidence-based practice (EBP) to nursing students.
- Interactive learning and collaboration are crucial for developing information literacy in nursing research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of an innovative remote learning intervention, PICO Pal, for teaching EBP to undergraduate nursing students.
- To assess student perceptions of interactive learning, collaboration, and information literacy using the PICO Pal tool.
Main Methods:
- PICO Pal utilized Apple Numbers for remote group collaboration on PICOT posters.
- A pre- and posttest survey design was employed with 50 undergraduate nursing students.
Main Results:
- Students reported positive perceptions of the assignment and demonstrated increased knowledge of EBP.
- No significant gains were observed in students' perceptions of group work dynamics or effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- The PICO Pal assignment effectively taught aspects of the EBP process in a remote environment.
- Revisions are recommended to enhance group work dynamics and student comfort with technology integration.
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