Evaluating an Evidence-Based Practice Curriculum for Nurses Entering Clinical Practice in the Veterans Health...

Area of Science:

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

Background:

• The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) registered nurse (RN) Transition to Practice (TTP) program is a 1-year curriculum for entry-level nurses.
• Revised modules emphasize Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) as a clinical decision-making problem-solving approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the content, delivery, and outcomes of a revised Evidence-Based Practice Curriculum (EBPC) for the VHA RN TTP program.

Main Methods:

• Focus groups were conducted with TTP coordinators and EBP content experts from 32 VHA Medical Centers.
• Participants attended a three-day face-to-face training.
• Qualitative data were analyzed using a rapid assessment process.

Main Results:

• The EBPC was reviewed very favorably by those planning to use it for teaching practicing registered nurses.
• Leadership support is crucial for implementing and sustaining EBP initiatives.

Conclusions:

• The revised EBPC is well-received and suitable for implementation in VHA facilities.
• Future evaluations will assess faculty and nurse feedback on the EBPC.