Changing Clinical Practice – An Evidence-based Practice Course with Demonstratable Clinical Outcomes

B. Jack, K. Roberts, R. Wilson

Research output: Contribution to conferencePosterpeer-review

Abstract

There is currently a strong emphasis upon clinical effectiveness and the clinical governance policy has reinforced the need to that demonstrate care is based upon the most up to date evidence available [Scally and Donaldson, 1998; Campbell et al, 2001]. For this policy to succeed, staff have to be equipped with the necessary skills and abilities. A joint initiative between a college of nursing and an acute hospital was formed to develop an Evidence Based Practice course. The course aimed to achieve a clear and identifiable outcome that could be used to enhance patient care. Before starting the course, in conjunction with their managers and the course team, the students identified a clinically related question to explore and for which they should find the most up to date evidence. The course itself introduced the concept of evidence-based practice, placing an emphasis upon the practical skills of information searching and retrieval using on–line data bases and the internet as well as critical appraisal skills. In addition dissemination techniques (report writing and presentation skills) were also addressed. The course culminated in a formal presentation, attended by clinical and education staff and management including non-executive directors. Discussion followed each presentation, debating how the change could be implemented, including the resources needed. A meeting with each student and the Director of Nursing was held six months later to discuss the progress made. Ten courses have been successfully completed to date. This paper will discuss the course development and its benefits for the students and the Trust. Examples will be given to illustrate the success of the initiative and discussion will take place around the importance of the close partnership between the hospital and college, resulting in the effectiveness of the course. Intended learning outcomes At the end of this presentation, participants should be able to: • Have an awareness of the partnership between education and practice to facilitate the success of the course • Have an insight into the different elements of the evidence-based practice course • Have an insight into the needs of clinical staff with regard to evidence based practice course
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 2002
EventRoyal College of Nursing (RCN) International Nursing Research Conference - Exeter, United Kingdom
Duration: 7 Apr 200210 Apr 2002

Conference

ConferenceRoyal College of Nursing (RCN) International Nursing Research Conference
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityExeter
Period7/04/0210/04/02

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