Facilitating research-based practice by educational intervention

The extent of research-based practice in nursing and midwifery has been the subject of much recent debate. Research-mindedness has been seen to be the key to achieving professional status and improving patient care. Educationalists have been urged to develop research awareness in their students, and the teaching of research has taken a high priority since the introduction of Project 2000 and the integration of nurse education into higher education. The extent to which this educational intervention can influence practice is the subject of this article. After a literature review, an ENB 870 course is described which was evaluated 6 months after completion. Written comments indicate a considerable degree of change in practice, with many students reporting innovation and research utilization in practice as a result of the course.