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Learning Objective 1: Discuss the creation of a multi-disciplinary, evidence-based tool designed to enhance research skills and critical thinking decision points in college-aged students.
Learning Objective 2: Discuss the development of web and mobile phone App platforms for access to the evidence-based tool.
Methods: This pilot project uses a descriptive, mix-method research design. The research questions for this study are 1) Does the use of an EB tool increase the effectiveness of student research skills? 2) Does the use of an EB tool increase student critical thinking as expressed in writing? A literature review of research methods across disciplines was conducted to identify common processes encompassing EB definitions, processes, and methods. An EB tool was constructed which uses links to existing web resources and prompts the user to systematically evaluate critical decision points while researching and evaluating information sources for the purpose of writing a quality research paper. The tool will be placed on the university library website and a mobile App link created. A group of student and faculty will take the Online Research Readiness Self-Assessment before and after using the tool and faculty and student focus groups conducted to determine usability and effectiveness of the EB tool.
Results: Data will be collected from a pilot group of students and faculty using the EB tool in the spring of 2011.
Conclusion: Nursing is advancing the EB practice movement in academia. The use of an EB tool to enhance critical thinking decision points may assist students and faculty with research skills and critical thinking as expressed in writing. The authors acknowledge the support for this study provided by an Institutional Small Grant through EquipLCU.