Constructing Applied Knowledge in Nursing Students: A Learning Experience Centered on Evidence-Based Practice

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Health Sciences
• Online Learning

Background:

• Promoting evidence-based practice (EBP) in nursing education is crucial for delivering quality patient care.
• Effective teaching strategies are needed to foster EBP development among nursing students.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore a learning experience focused on evidence-based practice (EBP) using cooperative learning within an online discussion forum.
• To assess nursing students' engagement with EBP principles through a structured online intervention.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive qualitative study involving 137 nursing students.
• Implementation of a cooperative teamwork teaching intervention via an online forum.
• Qualitative content analysis of student interactions in response to posed questions.

Main Results:

• Two major themes emerged: Critical Analysis of the Literature and Clinical Practice.
• Categories included computer literacy, data source reliability, evidence levels, research relevance, patient perspective, professional experience, quality of care, and EBP usefulness.
• Students demonstrated critical evaluation of research and its application to patient care.

Conclusions:

• Interactive methodologies like cooperative learning and online forums effectively support knowledge construction for clinical application.
• Nursing students recognize the necessity and utility of EBP for optimal patient care management.
• Online forums foster essential competencies including autonomous learning, teamwork, and critical thinking.