Information Literacy: Developing Lifelong Skills Through Nursing Education

Patterns of information literacy and their predictors among emergency department nurses: a latent profile analysis based on the person-context interaction theory

BACKGROUND

With the development of information technology, information has been an important resource in clinical medicine, particularly within the emergency department. Given its role in patient rescue, the emergency department demands a high level of information literacy from nurses to effectively collect, analyze, and apply information due to the urgency and complexity of emergency nursing work. Although prior studies have investigated the information literacy of nursing staff, little has been undertaken in examining the patterns of information literacy and their predictors among emergency department nurses.

AIM

To clarify the subtypes of information literacy among nurses in the emergency department and explore the factors affecting profile membership.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among a convenience sample of 2490 nurses in the emergency department from April to June 2023. The clinical nurses completed the online self-report questionnaires including the general demographic questionnaire, information literacy scale, self-efficacy scale and social support scale. Data analyses involved the latent profile analysis, variance analysis, Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

Four latent profiles were identified: 'Low information literacy (Class 1)', 'Moderate information knowledge (Class 2)', 'High information knowledge and support (Class 3)' and 'High information literacy (Class 4)', accounting for 20.14%, 42.11%, 23.36% and 14.39%, respectively. Each profile displayed unique characteristics representative of different information literacy patterns. Age, years of work, place of residence, hospital grade, title, professional knowledge, using databases, reading medical literature, participating in information literacy training, self-efficacy, and social support significantly predicted information literacy profile membership.

CONCLUSIONS

Information literacy exhibits different classification features among emergency department nurses, and over half of the nurses surveyed were at the lower or middle level. Identifying sociodemographic and internal-external predictors of profile membership can aid in developing targeted interventions tailored to the needs of emergency department nurses. Nursing managers should actively pay attention to nurses with low information literacy and provide support to improve their information literacy level.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Insights from the current study of the latent profile analysis are beneficial to hospital managers in understanding the different types of emergency department nurses' information literacy. These insights serve as a reference for managers to enhance nurses' information literacy levels.

Teaching social business to Thai students: A case of LGBTIQ+ social business

This paper examined the learning experiences of a group of undergraduate business students from a Thai business school in a social business course. The key point to examine in this study is learning and teaching approaches for social business education that can promote understanding of gender diversity. To understand the experiences of stakeholders in social business education, a qualitative approach was adopted wherein students, teaching staff and social entrepreneurs engaged with the researcher in a real-time, hands-on social business environment. We collected secondary data from assignments, feedback, and presentations from students and their social business coaches. We also collected primary data in the form of personal interviews with two social entrepreneurs who coached students in this course. The results suggest that the development of pedagogy for social business requires multidisciplinary collaboration and codesign among course coordinators, teachers, social business, and students. We also summarized four appropriate learning approaches, LGBTIQ + social business, in the Thai higher education context: advocacy, problem-based, research-based and practical-operational approaches. We suggest that social business should also be taught by academic staff and industry representatives to help students in the learning process. This study also suggests that a student-centered approach can help students synergize social impacts with the financial returns of social business by adopting inquiry-based activities, role plays, and talking with LGBTIQ + social entrepreneurs.

Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of E-Learning in Healthcare: A Fuzzy ANP Study

E-learning has transformed the healthcare education system by providing healthcare professionals with training and development opportunities, regardless of their location. However, healthcare professionals in remote or rural areas face challenges such as limited access to educational resources, lack of reliable internet connectivity, geographical isolation, and limited availability of specialized training programs and instructors. These challenges hinder their access to e-learning opportunities and impede their professional development. To address this issue, a study was conducted to identify the factors that influence the effectiveness of e-learning in healthcare. A literature review was conducted, and two questionnaires were distributed to e-learning experts to assess primary variables and identify the most significant factor. The Fuzzy Analytic Network Process (Fuzzy ANP) was used to identify the importance of selected factors. The study found that success, satisfaction, availability, effectiveness, readability, and engagement are the main components ranked in order of importance. Success was identified as the most significant factor. The study results highlight the benefits of e-learning in healthcare, including increased accessibility, interactivity, flexibility, knowledge management, and cost efficiency. E-learning offers a solution to the challenges of professional development faced by healthcare professionals in remote or rural areas. The study provides insights into the factors that influence the effectiveness of e-learning in healthcare and can guide the development of future e-learning programs.

Factors associated with information literacy of nursing undergraduates in China

Objective

Information literacy is an important foundation for evidence-based nursing practice. Quantitative studies using validated questionnaires on information literacy of nursing undergraduates in China are rare. The students’ baseline information literacy must be evaluated before exploring ways to improve their level of information literacy. This study aimed to investigate the factors potentially involved in the information literacy of nursing undergraduates.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, male and female nursing undergraduates (n = 710) from Inner Mongolia, China were included in the final sample. The Information Literacy Competency Scale of the Applied Undergraduate Student (ILCSAUS) was used for evaluation. Multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis was performed to assess the association between various factors associated with information literacy.

Results

The students’ information literacy score was 105.00 (94.00–119.00). The highest score in the four dimensions was information awareness dimension, and the average score was 4.00 (3.80–4.40). Multivariable stepwise linear regression analysis showed that received training in medical statistics, received training in literature retrieval and utilization, and birth place were independently associated with information literacy scores (p  < 0.05).

Conclusions

Results indicate that learning about medical statistics, literature retrieval and utilization, and paying attention to students born in countries and towns can help improve information literacy in the nursing undergraduates.

Reinvigorating Evidence-Based Practice

Nurses' capabilities for evidence-based practice (EBP) cannot be presumed. Even in institutions with longstanding commitment to promoting the use of EBP, nurses may not have the EBP knowledge and skills needed to support clinical decision-making. This article describes a multifaceted approach to (a) renewing a spirit of inquiry about EBP and research and (b) strengthening nurses' EBP capabilities at a comprehensive cancer center.

Supporting the development of information literacy skills and knowledge in undergraduate nursing students: An integrative review

BACKGROUND

Undergraduate nursing students have the opportunity to develop information literacy skills while at university so they can work effectively in an increasingly information-intensive clinical environment. This can be achieved through learning how to effectively search for required information, critically evaluate it, apply and reference it. Librarians working in academic libraries can assist with this essential skill development through library instruction, delivery and support.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this integrative review was to undertake an analysis of the peer-reviewed research in the context of library instruction programs delivered in undergraduate nursing courses. A synthesis of the key themes was also undertaken.

METHODS

This paper takes the form of an integrative review. Four library databases were systematically searched for research articles investigating 'library instruction' within 'undergraduate nursing' courses. The search strategy was based on synonyms for these two concepts.

RESULTS

A total of 26 articles based on 25 studies were identified for review. Research was undertaken in a number of different countries with the most being in the United States of America (8). Total participants were 2820 nursing students. Sixteen of the studies were a quantitative approach, three were qualitative and six were mixed methods. A range of data collection methods were used that included surveys, interviews, focus groups and an observational study. One study was a randomised controlled trial and one used a mixed methods final year thesis analysis. The year level of participants varied with most being in the first year of their course (12 studies). Six studies were a mix of year levels. The four key inter-related themes identified were: collaboration, course-integration, linking to assessments, and confidence.

CONCLUSION

There is evidence to suggest a positive relationship between library instruction and information literacy skill development. Sustained training and support across year levels provides the opportunity for positive student outcomes.

Integrating informatics into undergraduate nursing education: A case study using a spiral learning approach

A gap in informatics expertise amongst nursing students, practising staff and faculty has been noted globally, which reduces the potential for nurses to utilise technology to enhance patient care. National nursing education strategies and recommendations from professional associations have identified digital health as an area that needs investment. This case study describes how health informatics is being integrated into a Bachelor of Nursing programme in the United Kingdom. An international collaboration with a US-UK Fulbright Specialist Scholar enabled individual learning units corresponding to key health informatics competencies to be designed and incorporated into a pedagogic framework grounded in the spiral learning approach. This approach is proposed as one way to integrate informatics into nursing education, so students can become competent clinicians that are able to deliver technology enabled care in the health service.

Using information literacy to teach medical entrepreneurship and health care economics

Objective

Entrepreneurship and innovative product design in health care requires expertise in finding and evaluating diverse types of information from a multitude of sources to accomplish a number of tasks, such as securing regulatory approval, developing a reimbursement strategy, and navigating intellectual property. The authors sought to determine whether an intensive, specialized information literacy training program that introduced undergraduate biomedical engineering students to these concepts would improve the quality of the students' design projects. We also sought to test whether information literacy training that included active learning exercises would offer increased benefits over training delivered via lectures and if this specialized information literacy training would increase the extent of students' information use.

Methods

A three-arm cohort study was conducted with a control group and two experimental groups. Mixed methods assessment, including a rubric and citation analysis, was used to evaluate program outcomes by examining authentic artifacts of student learning.

Results

Student design teams that received information literacy training on topics related to medical entrepreneurship and health care economics showed significantly improved performance on aspects of project performance relevant to health care economics over student design teams that did not receive this training. There were no significant differences between teams that engaged in active learning exercises and those that only received training via lectures. Also, there were no significant differences in citation patterns between student teams that did or did not receive specialized information literacy training.

Conclusions

Information literacy training can be used as a method for introducing undergraduate health sciences students to the health care economics aspects of the medical entrepreneurship life cycle, including the US Food and Drug Administration regulatory environment, intellectual property, and medical billing and reimbursement structures.

Inspiring Writing in Nursing: A Clinical Nurse Specialist-Led Program

BACKGROUND

Hospitals are constantly involved in quality improvement and research projects investing considerable money, time, and effort in supporting these projects; however, there is not always a strong enough focus on publishing the results. The challenge lies in engaging clinicians to publish their work. One of the hallmarks of the clinical nurse specialist is mentoring, and this has led to the creation of our Inspiring Writing in Nursing (IWIN) program.

PURPOSE

The goal of IWIN cohort was to engage and promote publication submissions from frontline clinicians. The 18-member Nursing Research and Evidence-Driven Practice Council (NR-EDPC) supports more than 3000 nurses in quality and research projects. Two senior librarians support our council and staff. In 2014, we launched our first IWIN cohort to mentor nurses in writing and submitting for publication.

EVALUATION

The NR-EDPC motto "meet them where they are" applies to both location and level of research/EDPC knowledge and skill. An Annual Nursing Research Conference showcases the products of nursing science. The first cohort of IWIN enrolled 11 mentees, and after a yearlong journey, we submitted 5 of 11 manuscripts, 3 withdrew, and 3 are still under revisions. From the 5 submissions, 3 were published, 1 was rejected, and 1 is currently under revision.

DISCUSSION

With support and the infrastructure of our NR-EDPC, we are launching our second IWIN cohort.

Information literacy skills and training of licensed practical nurses in Alberta, Canada: results of a survey

BACKGROUND

Although information literacy skills are recognized as important to the curriculum and professional outcomes of two-year nursing programs, there is a lack of research on the information literacy skills and support needed by graduates.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the information literacy skills and consequent training and support required of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in Alberta, Canada.

METHOD

An online survey using a random sample of new graduates (graduated within 5 years) from the registration database of the College of Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA).

RESULTS

There was a 43% response rate. Approximately 25-38% of LPNs felt they were only moderately or to a small extent prepared to use evidence effectively in their professional practice. LPNs use the internet and websites most frequently, in contrast to library resources that are used least frequently. Developing lifelong learning skills, using information collaboratively, and locating and retrieving information are areas where LPNs desire more effective or increased training.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest there are significant gaps in the preparedness and ability of LPNs to access and apply research evidence effectively in the workplace. There are several areas in which the training provided by Librarians appears either misaligned or ineffective.

Strategies for teaching evidence-based practice in nursing education: a thematic literature review

BACKGROUND

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is imperative for ensuring patient safety. Although teaching strategies to enhance EBP knowledge and skills are recommended, recent research indicates that nurses may not be well prepared to apply EBP. A three-level hierarchy for teaching and learning evidence-based medicine is suggested, including the requirement for interactive clinical activities in EBP teaching strategies. This literature review identifies the teaching strategies for EBP knowledge and skills currently used in undergraduate nursing education. We also describe students' and educators' experiences with learning outcomes and barriers.

METHODS

We conducted literature searches using Medline, Embase, CINAHL, ERIC and Academic Search Premier. Six qualitative studies and one mixed-method study met the inclusion criteria and were critically evaluated based on the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. Using Braun and Clarke's six phases, the seven studies were deductively and thematically analysed to discover themes.

RESULTS

Four teaching strategy themes were identified, including subthemes within each theme: i.e., interactive teaching strategies; interactive and clinical integrated teaching strategies; learning outcomes; and barriers. Although four studies included a vague focus on teaching EBP principles, they all included research utilisation and interactive teaching strategies. Reported learning outcomes included enhanced analytical and critical skills and using research to ensure patient safety. Barriers included challenging collaborations, limited awareness of EBP principles and poor information literacy skills.

CONCLUSION

Four of the seven analysed studies included a vague focus on the use of EBP teaching strategies. Interactive teaching strategies are used, but primary strategies focus on searching for and critically appraising research for practice-based application. Although this review included a relatively small sample of literature, the findings indicate a need for more qualitative research investigating interactive and clinically integrated teaching strategies towards further enhancing EBP undergraduate nursing students' knowledge and skills.

Time for TIGER to ROAR! Technology Informatics Guiding Education Reform

Information Technology (IT) continues to evolve and develop with electronic devices and systems becoming integral to healthcare in every country. This has led to an urgent need for all professions working in healthcare to be knowledgeable and skilled in informatics. The Technology Informatics Guiding Education Reform (TIGER) Initiative was established in 2006 in the United States to develop key areas of informatics in nursing. One of these was to integrate informatics competencies into nursing curricula and life-long learning. In 2009, TIGER developed an informatics competency framework which outlines numerous IT competencies required for professional practice and this work helped increase the emphasis of informatics in nursing education standards in the United States. In 2012, TIGER expanded to the international community to help synthesise informatics competencies for nurses and pool educational resources in health IT. This transition led to a new interprofessional, interdisciplinary approach, as health informatics education needs to expand to other clinical fields and beyond. In tandem, a European Union (EU) - United States (US) Collaboration on eHealth began a strand of work which focuses on developing the IT skills of the health workforce to ensure technology can be adopted and applied in healthcare. One initiative within this is the EU*US eHealth Work Project, which started in 2016 and is mapping the current structure and gaps in health IT skills and training needs globally. It aims to increase educational opportunities by developing a model for open and scalable access to eHealth training programmes. With this renewed initiative to incorporate informatics into the education and training of nurses and other health professionals globally, it is time for educators, researchers, practitioners and policy makers to join in and ROAR with TIGER.

Problem-based learning in the NICU

Problem-based learning (PBL) is an educational strategy that provides learners with the opportunity to investigate and solve realistic problem situations. It is also referred to as project-based learning or work-based learning. PBL combines several learning strategies including the use of case studies coupled with collaborative, facilitated, and self-directed learning. Research has demonstrated that use of PBL can result in learners having improved problem-solving skills, increased breadth and analysis of complex data, higher-level thinking skills, and improved collaboration. This article will include background information and a description of PBL, followed by examples of how this strategy can be used for learning in neonatal settings.

A framework for workplace information literacy in academic contexts

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to suggest a framework for workplace information literacy based on a case study at the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State (South Africa).

Design/methodology/approach

– The framework is based on a literature survey covering case studies from the private, public and academic sector and a case study conducted at the CUT, Free State (South Africa). A mixed methods approach was followed using questionnaires, individual interviews and focus group interviews. Descriptive statistics and qualitative data were collected.

Findings

– The data analysis reveals a need as well as support for workplace information literacy. It addresses institutional buy-in, the need for alignment to the institutional strategy, inclusion of workplace information literacy in job descriptions, whether workplace information literacy should be optional or mandatory, whether it should address the needs of all staff members, the responsibility for a workplace information literacy programme, perceived benefits, etc.

Practical implications

– The proposed framework can be used at the CUT, Free State. As a general framework it can also be used in other academic contexts as well as in the public and private sector.

Originality/value

– Although several studies on workplace information literacy have been reported, the literature survey did not trace a suitable framework that can guide the design and implementation of workplace information literacy in academic contexts. This paper intends to contribute towards filling this gap.

Six ways of experiencing information literacy in nursing: the findings of a phenomenographic study

BACKGROUND

Information literacy plays a vital role in evidence-based practice in nursing. However there is currently little evidence to show how being information literate is actually experienced by nurses and therefore information literacy educational interventions are not genuinely evidence-based. Are they promoting the appropriate knowledge and skills to help nurses find and use the research evidence they need?

OBJECTIVES

To investigate how being information literate is experienced by nurses. To use the insights obtained to develop a description of the parameters of information literacy in nursing, including those of its role and value in evidence-based practice.

DESIGN

Phenomenography.

PARTICIPANTS

41 UK nurses of varying experience, specialism and background.

METHODS

Open-ended interviews.

RESULTS

7 contexts in which information literacy is experienced, were mapped out and 6 representative ways of being an information literate nurse, in increasing levels of depth and sophistication, were described.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings may form the basis of future evidence-based information literacy education programmes.

Information literacy in academic and research libraries of Beijing, China

The purpose of this study was to explore the information literacy (IL) practices, methods and techniques being implemented in China’s university and research libraries. The study selected a concurrent mixed-methods research design. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews with professionals from 10 universities and research libraries in Beijing, China. Convenience sampling was used to collect data from the library professionals. The results show that university libraries are in far better positions than research libraries but that there is still a need for improvements. The findings indicate that IL training through library orientations and tours and introductory information skills are frequently and successfully being used in both types of libraries. For orientation, face-to-face delivery was used in 80 percent of university libraries and 60 percent of research libraries. IL programs were integrated into some subject units and available in 100 percent of the university libraries and 60 percent of the research libraries. University libraries performed better in implementing IL programs compared with the research institutes’ libraries. A number of gaps exist between university and research libraries in terms of information literacy practices. These gaps can be filled by overcoming barriers such as the absence of inactivity of professional library associations, the lack of government interest, the lack of faculty collaboration, and the failure to promote IL programs among the user community. In the light of this research, it is suggested that the Chinese government pay keen attention to formulating a national IL policy.

E-learning & information communication technology (ICT) in nursing education: A review of the literature

OBJECTIVES

To examine primary research articles published between January 2001 and December 2012 that focused on the issues for students and educators involved with E-learning in preregistration nursing programs. The literature was systematically reviewed, critically appraised and thematically analyzed.

BACKGROUND

E-learning is arguably the most significant change to occur in nursing education since the move from hospital training to the tertiary sector. Differences in computer and information literacy for both students and educators influence the success of implementation of E-learning into current curricula.

DATA SOURCES

Online databases including CINAHL, MEDLINE, OVID, the ProQuest Central, PubMed, ERIC and Science Direct were used.

METHODS

The criteria used for selecting studies reviewed were: primary focus on electronic learning and issues faced by nursing students and/or nurse educators from undergraduate preregistration nursing programs; all articles had to be primary research studies, published in English in peer reviewed journals between January 2001 and December 2012.

RESULTS

Analysis of the 28 reviewed studies revealed the following three themes: issues relating to E-learning for students; use of information technologies; educator (faculty) issues involving pedagogy, workload and staff development in E-learning and associated technology.

CONCLUSION

The review highlighted that commencing preregistration nursing students required ongoing education and support surrounding nursing informatics. This support would enable students to progress and be equipped with the life-long learning skills required to provide safe evidence based care. The review also identified the increased time and skill demands placed on nurse educators to adapt their current education methodologies and teaching strategies to incorporate E-learning.

Lifelong learning for nurses-building a strong future

Lifelong learning is a key issue for the nursing profession. The literature reports effective collaboration between nurses and health sciences librarians to develop evidence-based programs for hospital staff nurses. In this collaboration the nurse provides the real-time practice issues and the health sciences librarian provides the expertise to retrieve the information from the literature. This column presents a current overview of the participation of health sciences librarians, particularly hospital librarians, in the development of programs and resources for nurses' lifelong learning.

The academic librarian as co-investigator on an interprofessional primary research team: a case study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to explore the role librarians play on research teams. The experiences of a librarian and a faculty member are situated within the wider literature addressing collaborations between health science librarians and research faculty.

METHODS

A case study approach is used to outline the involvement of a librarian on a team created to investigate the best practices for integrating nurses into the workplace during their first year of practice.

RESULTS

Librarians contribute to research teams including expertise in the entire process of knowledge development and dissemination including the ability to navigate issues related to copyright and open access policies of funding agencies.

DISCUSSION

The librarian reviews the various tasks performed as part of the research team ranging from the grant application, to working on the initial literature review as well as the subsequent manuscripts that emerged from the primary research. The motivations for joining the research team, including authorship and relationship building, are also discussed. Recommendations are also made in terms of how librarians could increase their participation on research teams.

CONCLUSION

The study shows that librarians can play a key role on interprofessional primary research teams.

Perinatal data collection: current practice in the Australian nursing and midwifery healthcare context

The collection of perinatal data within Queensland, Australia, has traditionally been achieved via a paper form completed by midwives after each birth. Recently, with an increase in the use of e-health systems in healthcare, perinatal data collection has migrated to an online system. It is suggested that this move from paper to an ehealth platform has resulted in improvement to error rates, completion levels, timeliness of data transfer from healthcare institutions to the perinatal data collection and subsequent publication of data items. Worldwide, perinatal data are collected utilising a variety of methods, but essentially data are used for similar purposes: to monitor outcome patterns within obstetrics and midwifery. This paper discusses current practice in relation to perinatal data collection worldwide and within Australia, with a specific focus on Queensland, highlights relevant issues for midwives, and points to the need for further research into the efficient use of an e-health platform for perinatal data collection.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Course Integrated Library Instruction in an Undergraduate Nursing Program

Introduction: Many faculty in two Schools of Nursing found that students in the fourth year of the Bachelor of Nursing program were not well equipped to perform information literacy activities efficiently and effectively, such as doing research to support their daily work. A course-integrated information literacy program was implemented at both sites, which left some students having very little information literacy training, whereas others who started the program in later years had information literacy training in all or most years of the curriculum. This study sought to evaluate students as they gained more experience with information literacy. Methods: To determine if increased exposure to information literacy training improved students' levels of competency and confidence, the authors compared first-year students with two groups of fourth-year students who had differing exposures to information literacy. Results: Acceptable response rates for data analysis were acquired at only one site. It was found that overall, fourth-year students were more confident and tested better with information literacy competencies than first-year students, but there was not as much improvement as was hypothesized. Discussion: The results of this evaluation have demonstrated a need to improve the information literacy teaching in certain areas. The data have also indicated that students do indeed retain information literacy skills with an increased number of sessions. Further areas for study are outlined as well as the limitations and strengths of the study design.

Evaluación de una intervención sobre búsquedas de información científica para estudiantes de enfermería

En este trabajo presentamos el proceso y la evaluación de una intervención educativa para la capacitación en búsquedas de información científica, dentro del programa de alfabetización en información, que se llevó a cabo con 158 estudiantes de 3er año de Enfermería en la asignatura de Administración de Servicios de Enfermería. Respecto a los resultados de la evaluación de los conocimientos adquiridos, la media de aciertos es de 11,8 (desviación estándar=2,2); las calificaciones obtenidas en el informe de búsquedas de información fueron el 46,8% sobresaliente, 22,4% notable, 19,2% aprobado y 11,5% reprobaron; en cuanto a las opiniones y satisfacción con el proceso de aprendizaje, un 79,5% de los/as estudiantes opinaban que después del aprendizaje tienen conocimientos suficientes para buscar información científica y un 78,6% estaban satisfechos/as con el aprendizaje. Concluimos que la intervención educativa es adecuada para el desarrollo de competencias en búsquedas de información científica en los/as estudiantes de enfermería.

Promoting information literacy through collaborative service learning in an undergraduate research course

Information literacy is an important foundation for evidence-based nursing practice. Librarians, the experts in information literacy, are important collaborators in the process of teaching nursing students information literacy skills. In this article we describe a service learning project, offered in a third year nursing research course, designed to teach information literacy and to enhance students' appreciation of the role of evidence in nursing practice. Students worked in groups, and under the guidance of a nursing instructor and librarian, to answer a question posed by practice-based partners. Through the project students learned essential skills of refining a question, identifying systematic search strategies, gleaning essential information from a study and using a bibliographic management tool. Evaluation of the project indicated that although the project was challenging and labour intensive students felt they learned important skills for their future practice. Several recommendations for further enhancing the collaboration are made.

Mapping the journey: Developing an information literacy strategy as part of curriculum reform

This article will outline the development of an Information Literacy Strategy in 2009 as part of an overall program of curriculum review and renewal at La Trobe University, Australia. Current information literacy programs at La Trobe University Library employ a diverse range of approaches and delivery methods. However, they are limited in scope and scale while they are optional additions to the curriculum. Through participation in a university-wide process of curriculum review and renewal, the library has developed a systemic, coherent and sustainable approach to the design of undergraduate information literacy programs. The resulting strategy employs a combination of online and individual instruction and support embedded into the curricula structure and reflected in assessment tasks. It provides a model of research skills education that gives all La Trobe University students the opportunity to develop foundation information literacy in first year and to graduate with the necessary information literacy skills for study, work and lifelong learning.

Podcasts, webcasts, sims, and more: new and innovative ways for nurses to learn

ADVANCES IN TECHNOLOGY HAVE expanded the educational tools and learning options available to today's nurses. Among these technologically enhanced tools and strategies are online learning, podcasts, vodcasts, webcasts, webinars, discussion forums, mobile learning, realistic simulations, and others. What exactly are these options? Which ones are the most effective? This is the first topic we will address in a new column on educational strategies in the NICU, a column designed to familiarize NICU nurse educators, clinical nurse specialists, managers, and preceptors with innovative and evidenced-based teaching strategies that promote optimal learning among NICU nurses. The purpose of this first column is to provide an introduction to innovative teaching tools and strategies-some technologically enhanced, some not-including such nontechnological interactive educational activities as problem-based learning, games, and concept maps. Future columns will discuss many of these strategies in more detail.

Involving the stakeholders in the curriculum process: a recipe for success?

The Department of Nursing and Health Studies at the Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) in Auckland, New Zealand, decided to involve stakeholders from the health care sector in developing a new curriculum. After implementing the new curriculum, the process was evaluated using a content analysis as qualitative research design. Seven individual interviews and one Focus group interview were conducted with the stakeholders to determine their experiences during the process. Ethical permission was sought from the MIT ethical committee. The analyses of the collected data enabled the researchers to identify six main categories. The categories were: "Existing Programme", "The need to change", "The curriculum development process", "The stakeholders", "Personnel", and "Ethnic minorities". From the collected data, it was clear that a new curriculum was necessary to enable the graduates to meet the health care needs of the New Zealand population, especially after the primary health care policy was introduced in New Zealand. It was also clear that the curriculum development process could be a painful process for all concerned, but a strong leadership could cement a feeling of "collegiality" between stakeholders and teaching staff. The importance of considering the rights of ethnic minorities is clearly stated in the Treaty of Waitangi, safeguarding the rights of the Maori People, and therefore applied rigorously in the development process. In this project, the collaborative process was very successful, and the stakeholders actually expressed feelings of "Ownership" of the curriculum.

Baccalaureate nursing students' information technology competence--agency perspectives

Baccalaureate nurses must meet information technology (IT) competencies expectations for employment and future professional development. Unfortunately, educational programs and accrediting groups have not identified specific outcomes, and IT is not integrated formally into many undergraduate program curricula. Meanwhile, nursing students and faculty are practicing in clinical agencies undergoing an informatics and technology revolution. Adding courses and content, hardware, software, and strategies such as distance learning and simulation have been recommended to improve competency development. However, little is known regarding nursing students' experiences with IT in clinical practice. Agencies used as sites for one undergraduate program were surveyed and asked to identify barriers and facilitators to students' IT competencies attainment. Ten agency, program, and policy factors affecting the quality of the learning experience in clinical agencies were identified. Results underscored that leadership to improve collaboration and communication between nursing practice, education, and policy groups is necessary to improve clinical environments for IT learning.

Graduating nurses' self-evaluation of information technology competencies

Using a standardized instrument, graduating baccalaureate nurses reported moderate information technology skills. The students were most confident in their Internet, word processing, and systems operations skills; the students' rated themselves lowest on care documentation and planning, valuing informatics knowledge, skills development, and data entry competencies. Exposure to the latest informatics systems was a priority. Students want fair access to informatics and technology-rich clinical settings; more realistic informatics and technology simulations; enthusiastic and capable faculty; and better hardware, software, and literature-searching support in agencies, classrooms, laboratories, and residences. Nursing programs, clinical agencies, and policy makers need to recognize that students are advancing beyond acquiring informatics skills to integrating health information literacy into practice. To facilitate current and future skills attainment and innovation, nursing informatics education and evaluation must keep pace.

Improving information technology competencies: implications for psychiatric mental health nursing

While substantial evidence links information technology (IT) with improved patient safety, care quality, access, and efficiency, nurses must demonstrate competencies in computers, informatics, and information literacy in order to use IT for practice, education, and research. The nursing profession has established IT competencies for all nurses at beginning and experienced levels. Newly revised standards also articulate role-specific expectations for advanced practice nurses. Unfortunately, there is a concern that many nurses may not possess these capabilities and that nurse educators are not prepared to teach them. IT competency evaluations, which have focused predominately on nursing education, indicate novice skill levels for most faculty and students. In numerous studies, again conducted largely in nursing education, significant improvement in IT competencies has been achieved only with intensive interventions. Deficits in IT competencies are a significant concern, because the federal government has mandated full implementation of Electronic Health Records (EHR) by 2014. EHR will require all nurses to use IT to deliver, document, and obtain reimbursement for patient care. In response to these concerns, two recent initiatives, the "Health Information Technology Scholars (HITS)" and "Technology Informatics Guiding Education Reform (TIGER)" projects, have been launched. By enhancing IT competencies, these projects will enable nurses to use evidence-based practice and other innovations to transform clinical care, education, and research. This report updates psychiatric-mental health nurses on the IT competencies literature, recent enhancement initiatives and innovations, and their implications for the specialty.

Connecting practice to evidence using laptop computers in the classroom

Evidenced-based practice is no longer a "frill" but a necessity, demanded by an evolving healthcare system and the needs of practice, professional nursing bodies, and American consumers who want safe, quality care. Although its importance has been touted by the profession, incorporating evidence into practice is not a skill for which nurses at point of care are ready. Preparation for evidence-based practice must begin in basic educational programs. Yet, the process of using evidence to guide practice is complex especially for undergraduate students who are only beginning to ask questions let alone answer them. Nursing schools have responded to the professional call to evidence-based practice with the use of a variety of teaching approaches. This article presents a unique approach, not previously described, involving the use of laptops in an undergraduate nursing research course to equip students for evidence-based practice, giving students hands-on experience with the process and introducing students to online resources. Student feedback and educator reflections highlight the value of the technology in expediting student learning and comfort with evidence-based practice.

A curricular approach to improve the information literacy and academic writing skills of part-time post-registration nursing students in Hong Kong

In today's environment of rapidly changing health care and information technology, nurses require a broad range of skills. One of the key skills required of all health professionals in this environment is information literacy. For registered nurses returning to a university setting to study for their baccalaureate degree, becoming information literate is one of many challenges they face. Also key to students' ability to use and communicate information in an appropriate and effective manner is their writing skills. This article describes a curricular intervention designed to develop and strengthen post-registration nurses' information literacy and academic writing competencies. An introductory information management module was developed and provided to three successive cohorts of students (n=159). Students were predominantly female (85.4%) with a mean age of 34.2 years (SD=6.8). Prior to commencing the program, students reported low information literacy and writing skills, especially in accessing and searching electronic databases and using referencing formats. The post-test evaluation of skills showed substantial and statistically significant increases in all assessed competencies. This intervention demonstrated that with structured but flexible learning activities early in the curriculum, post-registration nursing students can quickly become information literate.