Can Nursing Students Practice What Is Preached? Factors Impacting Graduating Nurses' Abilities and Achievement to Apply Evidence-Based Practices

Pre-treatment assessment of chemotherapy for cancer patients: a multi-site evidence implementation project of 74 hospitals in China

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy, whilst treating tumours, can also lead to numerous adverse reactions such as nausea and vomiting, fatigue and kidney toxicity, threatening the physical and mental health of patients. Simultaneously, misuse of chemotherapeutic drugs can seriously endanger patients' lives. Therefore, to maintain the safety of chemotherapy for cancer patients and to reduce the incidence of adverse reactions to chemotherapy, many guidelines state that a comprehensive assessment of the cancer patient should be conducted and documented before chemotherapy. This recommended procedure, however, has yet to be extensively embraced in Chinese hospitals. As such, this study aimed to standardise the content of pre-chemotherapy assessment for cancer patients in hospitals and to improve nurses' adherence to pre-chemotherapy assessment of cancer patients by conducting a national multi-site evidence implementation in China, hence protecting the safety of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and reducing the incidence of adverse reactions to chemotherapy in patients.

METHODS

The national multi-site evidence implementation project was launched by a JBI Centre of Excellence in China and conducted using the JBI approach to evidence implementation. A pre- and post-audit approach was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the project. This project had seven phases: training, planning, baseline audit, evidence implementation, two rounds of follow-up audits (3 and 9 months after evidence implementation, respectively) and sustainability assessment. A live online broadcast allowed all participating hospitals to come together to provide a summary and feedback on the implementation of the project.

RESULTS

Seventy-four hospitals from 32 cities in China participated in the project, four withdrew during the project's implementation, and 70 hospitals completed the project. The pre-and post-audit showed a significant improvement in the compliance rate of nurses performing pre-chemotherapy assessments for cancer patients. Patient satisfaction and chemotherapy safety were also improved through the project's implementation, and the participating nurses' enthusiasm and belief in implementing evidence into practice was increased.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrated the feasibility of academic centres working with hospitals to promote the dissemination of evidence in clinical practice to accelerate knowledge translation. Further research is needed on the effectiveness of cross-regional and cross-organisational collaborations to facilitate evidence dissemination.

Assessing evidence-based practice competencies of undergraduate nursing students using a developed multi-criteria decision-analysis model

AIM

The developed multi-criteria decision analysis model was used to identify the inter-influence relationships and key factors affecting the EBP competencies of UNSs, to assess the EBP competencies of UNSs and based on these results, to formulate an improvement strategy to enhance the EBP competencies of UNSs.

BACKGROUND

EBP is considered a core competency in international nursing practice. However, few studies have developed EBP evaluation models and applied them to assessing and improving the EBP competencies of UNSs.

DESIGN

This is a quantitative study with multi-criteria decision-analysis model.

METHODS

Firstly, the questionnaire was designed based on the characteristics of the DEMATEL and VIKOR-AS methods, which was completed by 17 nursing experts from a case hospital in Zhejiang Province, China. Subsequently, the DEMATEL method was used to analyze the inter-influence relationships among various criteria to determine their respective weights. Finally, the VIKOR method is utilized to integrate multiple criteria and their relative weights to assign comprehensive scores to each UNSs.

RESULTS

The use of the DEMATEL method reveals that "Knowledge (C1)", "Mastering the basic scientific research methods during the study of the undergraduate courses (C11)", "Being able to consult clinical experts appropriately when encountering problems in clinical practice (C23)" and "Understanding the importance of reading journals related to the nursing profession regularly (C34)" were critical influencing factors. "Skill (C2)," "Being able to explain the essential roles of the best research evidence in determining clinical practice (C15)," "Being able to apply the collected research evidence to the individual case in nursing care (C25)" and "Paying attention to using the evidence-based nursing practice concept to determine the best clinical practice (C35)" were the most influential factors. According to the VIKOR method, the performance of the UNSs in the case hospitals in terms of EBP competencies from highest to lowest was Student C, Student B and Student A. However, all of these students suffered from deficiencies at the knowledge level.

CONCLUSIONS

The application of the DEMATEL and VIKOR methods provides a systematic and comprehensive approach to the assessment of EBP competencies of UNSs. The lack of EBP competencies of UNSs in case hospitals is mainly reflected in knowledge level. To improve UNSs' EBP competencies, medical schools and hospital educators should propose short- and long-term strategies to improve knowledge.

Factors influencing evidence-based practice among undergraduate nursing students: A cross-sectional analysis

Objective

This study aimed to describe the current situation of evidence-based practice (EBP) among undergraduate nursing students in Thailand.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted. A convenience sample of 470 third- and fourth-year undergraduate nursing students from five public universities across Thailand participated in this study from January 2021 to March 2021. All participants were invited to complete a general information questionnaire, and the Student Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire (S-EBPQ).

Results

The overall mean S-EBPQ score was 5.29 ± 0.71, and the four subscales, from highest to lowest, were attitudes (5.50 ± 0.93), sharing and applying EBP (5.37 ± 0.87), practice (5.18 ± 0.84), and retrieving and reviewing evidence (5.10 ± 0.81). The current situation of S-EBPQ was higher among nursing students who had higher previous EBP studies, familiarity with research methods, confidence in clinical decision-making, preparedness in practice, and access to journals (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study's findings provide valuable insights for planning strategies that can be integrated into the existing nursing curricula to enhance nursing undergraduates' EBP application in clinical settings.

Commitment, perception and evidence-based practice training in Spanish nursing students: A multicentre cross-sectional study

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the commitment and level of self-perceived training in evidence-based practice among students of the Nursing degree of five Spanish universities.

BACKGROUND

In university Health Sciences degrees, evidence-based clinical practice can directly or indirectly impact the quality of care, the cost of the service provided and the safety of clinical practice.

DESIGN

Multicentre cross-sectional observational study according to STROBE guidelines.

METHODS

The evidence-based skills in Practice questionnaire (CACH-PBE, for its acronym in Spanish) and the Utrecht Work Engagement Student Scale (UWES-9S) were used. The study was performed in five Spanish universities (Alicante, Castilla La Mancha, Jaen, Huelva and Seville) from October to December 2020, with 755 participants (Nursing students).

RESULTS

A total mean score of 91.9 points (SD = 11.81) was observed for the CACH-PBE questionnaire and of 36.8 points (SD = 8.48 points) for the UWES-9S. In addition, the multivariate analysis predicted that variables such as sex, academia, university, intention to do a Master or Doctorate degree, the level of work engagement, and the previous training in evidence-based clinical practice were associated with a greater perception of evidence-based practice.

CONCLUSION

The sample of Nursing degree students has intermediate-high levels of knowledge, skills and attitudes regarding evidence-based practice and work commitment, with differences observed between each of the universities.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Nursing students should develop from intermediate to high levels of knowledge, skills and attitudes regarding evidence-based practice and work commitment. There are various actions to promote EBP, such as the incorporation of a specific course covering the subject into the nursing curriculum, and the selection, for clinical practices, of care units that implemented evidence-based care.

Determinant factors associated with the use of evidence-based dietetics practice among registered dietitian nutritionists

AIMS

There is a lack of research assessing perceived and actual evidence-based dietetics practice knowledge among registered dietitian nutritionists. This cross-sectional research examined the association between determinant factors (i.e., education attainment) and objective knowledge (i.e., quiz items) of evidence-based dietetics practices. Other determinant factors associated with perceived knowledge and skill, attitudes, behaviours and outcomes related to evidence-based dietetics practice were also assessed. Perceived knowledge items were compared to objective knowledge items to evaluate the accuracy of self-assessed evidence-based dietetics practice knowledge among dietitians in the United States.

METHODS

A modified and adapted evidence-based practice survey was emailed to registered dietitian nutritionists in the United States via the Commission on Dietetic Registration database between November and December 2020. Analysis of variance assessed the relationship between highest degree held and actual knowledge of evidence-based dietetics practices. Multiple linear regression and ordinal logistic regression determined participant-level characteristics associated with survey subscales and survey items, respectively. Pearson's correlation coefficient evaluated the relationship between subjective and objective items.

RESULTS

Four hundred and eighty-two dietitians completed the survey. Each increase in degree type was associated with an increase in objective knowledge score (all comparisons p < 0.001). Other determinants included recency of degree completion and peer-reviewed publications. Moderate positive associations (r = 0.35, p < 0.001) were found between subjective and objective measures.

CONCLUSION

Graduate-level education, recency of degree completion and peer-reviewed publications were supportive of evidence-based dietetics practice-related outcomes. Future research should evaluate the efficacy of training, particularly among those further from their highest completed degree.

Influence of Evidence-Based Nursing on Psychological Status, Neurological Function, and Life Quality of Patients with Acute Poststroke Depression

Objective

This research sets out to elucidate the influence of evidence-based nursing (EBN) on psychological status (PSY), neurological function, and quality of life (QoL) of patients with acute poststroke depression (PSD).

Methods

One hundred and fifty stroke patients who received treatment in the Characteristic Medical Center of PLA Rocket Force between December 2019 and December 2021 were enrolled, including 100 cases (Group A) treated with comprehensive EBN and 50 patients (Group B) with routine nursing. Anxiety and depression (Self-Rating Anxiety Scale [SAS] and Self-Rating Depression Scale [SDS] scores), neurological function (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] and Scandinavian Stroke Scale [SSS] scores), QoL (Generic Quality Of Life Inventory-74 [GQOLI-74] score), and complication rate of both groups were evaluated, as well as total effective rate and nursing satisfaction.

Results

Group A outperformed Group B with lower scores of NIHSS, SSS, SAS, and SDS and higher GOOLI-74 scores. Besides, lower complication rate and higher total effective rate and nursing satisfaction were determined in Group A.

Conclusions

EBN can better improve the PSY of patients with acute PSD, restore their neurological function, and effectively improve their QoL.

Barriers to implementing evidence-based nursing practice from the hospitals' point of view in China: A regional cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

There is a widespread international agreement that healthcare should be based on high-quality evidence; however, bridging the gap from evidence to practice is still problematic. Although barriers to the implementation of evidence-based nursing practice have been identified, most studies have focused on clinical nurses' perceptions of the barriers to evidence-based nursing practice, with a lack of investigation into barriers from the hospitals' viewpoint.

OBJECTIVES

To identify existing barriers to implementing evidence-based nursing practice from the hospitals' viewpoint.

DESIGN

A descriptive study employing a regional cross-sectional survey.

SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS

A convenience sample of 91 hospitals in Guangdong Province, China.

METHODS

The survey used an online questionnaire containing basic hospital information and an open-ended question. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse basic hospital data. Responses to the open-ended question were analysed with thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The sample consisted of 89 valid responses to the open-ended question. Five themes were identified: (1) knowledge (70.8 %); (2) environmental context and resources (42.7 %); (3) social influences (7.9 %); (4) intentions (7.9 %); and (5) beliefs about capabilities (1.1 %).

CONCLUSION

Introduced early in 2001, China has embraced evidence-based nursing for more than 20 years. However, lack of knowledge is still the top barrier to implementing evidence-based nursing practice in hospitals in China. The findings indicate a need for more evidence-based nursing practice teaching strategies towards further enhancing clinical nurses' and nursing managers' evidence-based nursing practice beliefs, knowledge, and skills.

Nurse mentored, student research in undergraduate nursing education to support evidence-based practice: A pilot study

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to investigate if an extracurricular research skills development program builds the knowledge, attitudes, and skills (KAS) to support evidence-based practice (EBP).

METHODS

Twenty nursing students and six mentors in four teams completed small, student-led research projects over 1 year. Using a mixed-methods design, the knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) survey was administered at three-time points, followed by qualitative interviews. A linear mixed-effects regression model was used to analyze survey data and thematic analysis for qualitative data.

RESULTS

The change from the KAP survey from the first to the third time point showed a statistically significant difference following engagement in the program. Qualitative data indicated benefits and challenges to participation for both students and mentors. Mentorship provided students with improved relationships, collaboration, and leadership skills. Students believed the program enhanced their understanding of research and reported increased confidence in using EBP.

CONCLUSION

Offering students innovative first-hand experiences with research develops research KAS to support EBP.

What Should Be Considered in the Evidence-Based Practice Competency-Based Curriculum for Undergraduate Nursing Students? From the Student's Point of View

Background: The nursing curriculum should be systematically developed to improve the evidence-based practice (EBP) competencies of undergraduate nursing students. We attempted to identify the factors important for developing or improving the EBP-integrated nursing curriculum. Methods: This study adopted the qualitative research design using qualitative content analysis. A total of 168 study participants were included in the study. The participants were third-year nursing students at a private university located in southeastern South Korea. An open-ended question was asked: “To improve students’ EBP competencies during theory classes, on-campus practicums, or clinical practicums, what do you think is necessary?” Result(s): The analysis presented thirty themes, which were grouped into 10 sub-categories and further into four categories, and finally into three main categories. The students responded that they needed to form their own attitudes toward EBP. Regarding educator-related needs, students responded that effective teaching and learning methods should be used in classes. The students also suggested that the EBP process should be applied during clinical practicum. Regarding school-related needs, students suggested that EBP education should be applied at the beginning of the curriculum. Furthermore, the students recommended that repeated teaching should be used for EBP, and that EBP education should be connected to the major courses. Conclusions: The development of EBP competencies among undergraduate students is an important factor that can impact the nursing quality and patient safety. Based on the findings of this study, multidimensional efforts are needed to improve the liberal arts education of students and strengthen the educators’ competencies of EBNP and EBTP. Furthermore, schools should strive to assess students’ educational needs regularly and integrate the subsequent EBP-integrated nursing curricula consistent with these needs.

Construction of evidence-based practice competencies for nurses in China: A modified Delphi study

BACKGROUND

Evidence-based practice is considered as the core competency requirement for nursing practice internationally. However, there is limited information regarding the evidence-based practice competency indicators for clinical nurses in China.

OBJECTIVE

To establish a set of evidence-based practice competencies specific to nurses in China.

DESIGN

A modified Delphi study.

SETTING

The study was mainly conducted in a university-affiliated hospital in China.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty experts with evidence-based practice knowledge or practical experience from different regions and organizations in China.

METHODS

A literature review was conducted to develop the initial list of competencies which consisted of 35 items in seven domains. A two-round Delphi survey used email to invite experts to rate the importance of each item and provide qualitative comments on their ratings. Consensus was predefined as a mean score is of 4.0 or above and at least 75% agreement among the participants.

RESULTS

In round 1, 2 items were excluded, 5 items were added, and 12 items were required to be modified. In round 2, the consensus was achieved on 34 items in seven domains.

CONCLUSION

The study established a comprehensive set of evidence-based practice competencies for nurses in China, which provides benchmark standards for the assessment and training of nurses on evidence-based practice.

Design of the EBE-ST Questionnaire among Nursing Students: Multicenter Study from Eight Universities in Spain

Background: Twenty years after the degree in nursing was introduced in Spain, the subject of evidence-based nursing is still unstructured and unestablished in most faculties. Moreover, there are hardly any rigorous studies at a national level that evaluate the current state of this competence in our faculties. Understanding the starting point is essential for the curricular design to ensure that evidence-based practice is implemented among future professionals. Aim: To design and validate an evidence-based nursing competency questionnaire for fourth-year nursing students. Methods: A specific questionnaire was developed and validated (EBE-ST). A cross-sectional survey design with psychometric validation of an instrument. Participants were 304 senior year nursing students from eight universities in Spain (2020). Results: The EBE-ST questionnaire is composed of 33 items that determine eight factors. It presents adequate reliability and validity (alpha = 0.882), measuring knowledge, attitudes and the practical application of evidence-based practice. Conclusions: We have created an instrument with good psychometric properties to measure evidence-based practice competence among senior nursing students. The heterogeneity of knowledge regarding evidence-based nursing in our country suggests that further reflection is warranted on the incorporation of this topic during undergraduate training. We have designed and validated an evidence-based nursing competency questionnaire specific to nursing students.

Evidence-Based Practice Competence in Nursing Students Preparing to Transition to Practice

BACKGROUND

Opportunities to embed and evaluate evidence-based practice (EBP) competency in the clinical setting across nursing curricula are not well described in the literature.

AIMS

This research aims to describe how clinical learning environments influence senior nursing students' integration of EBP competencies in their practice and perceptions of EBP competence development in a traditional baccalaureate nursing program.

METHODS

A sequential, mixed-methods design was used with senior students upon completion of their last two clinical experiences in the nursing program. Students completed the EBP Work Environment Scale (Pryse, McDaniel, & Schafer, 2014) and semi-structured interviews.

FINDINGS

Students appraised EBP Work Environments positively during preceptor-led experiences as opposed to instructor-led, group clinical experiences. Students described the evolution of emerging EBP competence throughout their nursing education and emphasized the importance of coursework in intentionally developing EBP competence.

LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION

Assessment of clinical experiences and models that contribute to EBP competence is needed. Participants in this study emphasized the importance of coursework that builds on EBP competencies, and the tremendous value of nurse preceptors that encouraged growth in their ability to engage with EBP in clinical practice.

Capability beliefs and the intention to adopt evidence-based practices in the future among nursing students: An international study

BACKGROUND

Capability beliefs and the intention to adopt EBP in future nursing practice have been identified as strong antecedents of subsequent utilization of EBP. Despite this, a multicountry comparison may yield interesting findings that can be useful in designing empirically based and culturally tailored strategies to facilitate and enhance students' capability beliefs as well as their intentions to integrate evidence into nursing practice.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

This report sought to compare capability beliefs and intentions to adopt EBP in the future among student nurses from four countries-specifically, Oman, India, Nigeria, and Saudi Arabia-and to identify specific variables that predict the intention to adopt EBP.

METHODS

This study employed a descriptive, cross-sectional, comparative research design to gather data from a convenience sample of 1387 nursing students from four countries using self-report questionnaires that captured their EBP capability beliefs and their intention to adopt EBP in clinical practice upon graduation. This study adhered to STROBE guideline for cross-sectional studies.

RESULTS

Overall, nursing students reported a high intent to adopt EBP in their future nursing practice; however, the exact rate varied according to the country of origin. Students' gender, student track, education, country of origin, access to the internet, and capability beliefs were seen as important in explaining the likelihood of future implementation of evidence in clinical nursing practice. Capability beliefs among students were moderate, with large differences observed between countries.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the surveyed nursing students reported moderate capability beliefs, their intention to adopt and integrate EBP in their future nursing practice was relatively high.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

The findings of this study highlight the critical role of nurse educators and nurse administrators in fostering EBP capability beliefs and future intentions to adopt among students through curricular review, implementation of evidence-based strategies, and the promotion of EBP culture within the clinical learning sites.

The effect of evidence-based practice perception, information literacy self-efficacy, and academic motivation on nursing students' future implementation of evidence-based practice

BACKGROUND

Evidence-based practice (EBP) in nursing is an important tool for promoting quality care and improving patient outcomes. Global evidence suggests that the rate of EBP implementation among nurses and nursing students is low. The effects of EBP perception, information literacy self-efficacy, and academic motivation on nursing students' future implementation of EBP have not been fully explored.

PURPOSE

To examine the effect of EBP perception, information literacy self-efficacy, and academic motivation on future implementation of EBP among pre-registration nursing students.

METHOD

A cross-sectional study used a self-administered structured questionnaire and analyzed data from 148 pre-registration nursing students at a university in central Israel. A hierarchical forced steps regression analysis was conducted to predict future implementation of EBP.

RESULTS

Information literacy self-efficacy, EBP perception, and intrinsic academic motivation to experience stimulation, may predict EBP future implementation. The model explained 46.3% of the variance.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate the importance of information literacy skills and positive attitudes to EBP, as well as of intrinsic academic motivation, for enhancing future implementation of EBP among nursing students.

Self-Efficacy: Changing the Tide of Evidence-Based Practice

AIMS

The specific aim for this study was to describe differences in evidence-based practice (EBP) and self-efficacy in frontline RNs. This project utilized a national study with a convenience selection of acute care agencies to examine the relationship between organizational and unit culture, EBP, and self-efficacy in frontline nurses.

METHODS

This national study used descriptive correlational methodology to describe differences in EBP and self-efficacy among RNs. The sample included 245 frontline RNs employed in acute care settings. To measure the study variables, the Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Survey (Titler, Hill, Matthews, & Reed, 1999)  and the Evidence-Based Nursing Practice Self-Efficacy Scale were used (Tucker, Olson, & Frusti, 2009). Each instrument was delivered via the Qualtrics online platform.

RESULTS

The correlation of bivariate interval level variables was analyzed using Pearson's r. The correlation between EBP and self-efficacy was strongly correlated: r(170) = .537, p = .01. Sections within the Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Survey were calculated and found to be significant (unit culture r = .241, p = .01; organizational culture r = .570, p = .01; knowledge, skills, attitude r = .538, p = .01).

LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION

Several implications exist for education, staff development, and nursing management. Nursing school programs incorporate EBP into the curriculum so that nurses have a foundation for EBP. However, staff development professionals in clinical settings must continue to build on the nurses' knowledge and skill, thus increasing self-confidence for EBP. Nursing management can provide the resources for staffing models and policies to reinforce the value of EBP and positive patient outcomes. This combination provides frontline staff with EBP participation and increased self-efficacy in its usage.

Evidence-Based Practice Competence in Nursing Students: An Exploratory Study With Important Implications for Educators

BACKGROUND

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a core pillar of nursing education and an expectation in clinical practice. Students struggle to conceptualize the use of EBP into actual clinical practice despite the development of EBP competencies.

AIMS

This study explored perceptions of EBP education and competence in baccalaureate students using Melnyk's (Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 11, 2014 and 5) EBP competencies for practicing registered nurses as a basis for comparison.

METHODS

The researchers used a sequential, mixed-methods design. A survey was developed to assess information sources and patterns of use, and semistructured interviews explored factors affecting students' understanding of EBP and information-seeking behaviors in the clinical setting.

FINDINGS

There were 118 participants in the survey and 12 in follow-up interviews. A major theme was that participants had difficulties distinguishing between EBP and research. Students were able to identify experiences that fostered attainment of basic EBP competencies, such as searching for evidence, but were less able to describe higher-order activities such as integrating evidence to plan EBP changes or disseminating best practices.

LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION

Clinical learning environments are an ideal place to apply and see EBP in action, but nurse educators cannot assume students arrive ready to apply EBP knowledge and skills to clinical practice. Nurse educators need evidence-based tools to assess student EBP competence across a variety of settings. Research examining the generalizability of the EBP competencies in varying curricular models as well as didactic and clinical settings is needed.

A Multicountry Study on Nursing Students' Self-Perceived Competence and Barriers to Evidence-Based Practice

BACKGROUND

Nursing education and training are essential in the attainment of evidence-based practice (EBP) competence in nursing students. Although there is a growing literature on EBP among nursing students, most of these studies are confined to a single cultural group. Thus, cross-cultural studies may provide shared global perspectives and theoretical understandings for the advancement of knowledge in this critical area.

AIMS

This study compared self-perceived EBP competence among nursing students in four selected countries (India, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and Oman) as well as perceived barriers to EBP adoption.

METHODS

A descriptive, cross-sectional, and comparative survey of 1,383 nursing students from India, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and Oman participated in the study. The Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire (EBP-COQ) and the BARRIERS scale were used to collect data during the months of January 2016 to August 2017.

RESULTS

Cross-country comparisons revealed significant differences in EBP competence (F = 24.437, p < .001), knowledge (F = 3.621, p = .013), skills (F = 9.527, p < .001), and attitudes (F = 74.412, p < .001) among nursing students. Three variables including nursing students' gender (β = .301, p < .001), type of institution, (β = -0.339, p = .001), and type of nursing student (β = .321, p < .001) were associated with EBP competence. Barriers to EBP adoption included having no authority to change patient care policies (M = 1.65, SD = 1.05), slow publication of evidence (M = 1.59, SD = 1.01), and paucity of time in the clinical area to implement the evidence (M = 1.59, SD = 1.05).

LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION

Both academe and hospital administration can play a pivotal role in the successful acquisition of EBP competence in nursing students.

Best practices in the delivery process: conceptions from nurse midwives

ABSTRACT Objective: to know the conceptions of nurse midwives about the care guided in the best practices to the women in the delivery process. Method: descriptive research with a qualitative approach developed in a Federal Maternity-School. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 nurse midwives, and the speeches were categorized according to the thematic content analysis proposed by Franco. Results: the study reveals that care based on best practices should be based on scientific knowledge, avoiding unnecessary interventions and encourages the use of non-pharmacological techniques for pain relief, appropriate environment, individualized care, the bond between professional and parturient, as well as its role. Final Consideration: while criticizing the excess of interventions, nurse midwives value noninvasive techniques and interpersonal relationships, as well as the subjectivities of the parturient that contributes to the humanized care in the delivery process.

Undergraduate student nurses' knowledge of evidence-based practice: A short online survey

BACKGROUND

Various approaches and frameworks have been designed and tested to increase the uptake of research findings into practice. One approach is to base healthcare providers' practices on the best available research evidence rather than on expired policy or tradition. For which knowledge of evidence-based practice (EBP) principles is a prerequisite.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the current inquiry is to evaluate Jordanian nursing students' knowledge of EBP.

DESIGN

This study was an on-line cross-sectional survey.

SETTINGS

We targeted students in two universities in the north and one in the capital city of Amman.

PARTICIPANTS

The target population was Jordanian student nurses, and the sample consisted of 316 from the nursing schools within three government universities.

METHODS

The EBP knowledge test was used to collect data from students. It was adapted from the EBP Knowledge, Attitudes, Access & Confidence Evaluation. Ethical approval was obtained from the principal investigator's university before the questionnaire was uploaded on to the free online survey website. The link to the survey was established and shared on Facebook.

RESULTS

Just over half of the participating students were male (51.9%) and the average age was 21.6 years (SD 2.7). The mean total knowledge score as measured by the EBP knowledge test was low at 1.9 (SD 1.4) out of 10.

CONCLUSIONS

An evaluation of EBP-related content in nursing schools' curricula is needed in order to design and test the effectiveness of implementing an EBP course in improving knowledge and skills. Critical appraisal and evidence synthesis skills should be honed as they are seen to be very weak, with much room for improvement. Meanwhile, research courses could be the mainstay for a nursing faculty to introduce the EBP approach for undergraduate nurses.

Multilevel National Analysis of Nursing Students' Perceived Opportunity to Access Evidence-Based Tools During Their Clinical Learning Experience

BACKGROUND

Easy-to-access tools have been demonstrated to improve evidence-based practice (EBP) competences among nursing students. However, students' perception of access to EBP tools (e.g., clinical practice guidelines [CPGs], protocols) is unknown.

AIMS

To explore: (1) nursing students' opportunity to access EBP tools during their education, and (2) associated factors.

METHODS

A national cross-sectional study including all Italian nursing programs. Nursing students were deemed eligible according to the following inclusion criteria: Those who (1) were attending or just ended their practical rotation lasting at least 2 weeks at the time of the survey, and (2) expressed through written informed consent their willingness to take part in the study. Participants were asked about their perceived opportunity to access EBP tools during their most recent clinical learning experience (from 0 - not at all to 3 - always). A set of explanatory variables was collected at the individual, nursing program, and regional levels by using a questionnaire.

RESULTS

Nine thousand six hundred and seven (91.6%) out of 10,480 nursing students took part in the study. Overall, 4,376 (45.6%) students perceived not at all or only a small opportunity to access EBP tools during their most recent clinical rotation. In the multilevel analysis, factors promoting access were mainly set at the clinical learning environment level (high safety and nursing care quality, high self-directed learning opportunities, high quality of the learning environment, and being supervised by a clinical nurse). In contrast, male gender and lower academic class were associated with a lower perception of accessibility to EBP tools. A consistent variability in the perceived opportunity to access EBP tools emerged across regions.

LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION

Evidence-based decision-making is increasingly expected from nurses. Therefore, nursing faculties should safeguard and continuously improve students' competence regarding EBP, by implementing strategies mainly at the nursing program and regional levels.

Training Nursing Skills: A Quantitative Study of Nursing Students' Experiences before and after Clinical Practice

Introduction

Requirements for Patient Safety suggest that students encounter patients well prepared. In clinical laboratory practice (CLP), the students simulate patient situations as a preparation for internship. Various CLP models have been tried out to meet the students' prerequisites and learning strategies.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to try out two different learning sessions related to the bed bath procedure.

Design and Methods

The study has a descriptive, quantitative design with elements from clinically controlled trials.

Sample

The population of 160 first-year students was randomly divided into two classes.

Questionnaires

Two questionnaires were answered with six-month intervals: Form 1 immediately after the first training session and Form 2 a short time after clinical practice.

Findings

A majority of the nursing students reported that the exercises in the clinical lab were a good way to prepare for the practice, although most of them did not perceive that the procedure conducted at the university resembled how it is conducted in clinical practice. Age or level of discomfort related to organization of the skills training did not have impact on the students' confidence in mastering bed bath in clinical practice. Students without previous experience were less confident to master the procedure in clinical practice, but the results evened out during the internship.

Conclusions

The results from this study could indicate that the students' age to a larger extent should be considered in the universities' facilitation of nursing students' clinical preparations, to improve the transition to “real life” as smoothly and meaningfully as possible to nursing students.