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Learning Objective 1: Identify a successful strategy aimed at enhancing research utilization through journal clubs in partnership with shared governance.
Learning Objective 2: Discuss the change in clinicians’ evidence based practice beliefs and implementation through utilization of journal clubs.
To move belief and implementation of evidence based practice (EBP) forward takes more than evidence, including leadership support, educational resources and engaged clinicians. Participation in journal clubs (JC) has been shown to improve nurses’ research knowledge and use of EBP. Using diffusion theory as a framework, the adoption of journal clubs contributes to a culture of inquiry necessary for EBP uptake. The purpose of this study was to describe the change in JC utilization and clinicians’ self-report of EBP beliefs and implementation.
Methods
A convenience sample was comprised of inpatient and outpatient clinicians serving on the shared governance Practice Council for a one year term while participating in the JC program. A quasi-experimental design with survey data collection before and after participation in the JC program was employed. Over two years, a multipronged approach of education, mentoring and evaluation was incorporated into the implementation of JCs using the shared governance structure. EBP engagement was measured using the EBP Beliefs and Implementation Scales at six month intervals. Scores were compared from before to after JC using paired t-tests.
Results
Surveys were completed at 4 time points (samples of 42, 49, 37, 54). Respondents majority were bachelor's prepared staff nurses with more than 10 years experience. Both the Beliefs and Implementation Scale scores significantly (p<0.05) improved from baseline to repeat survey. Individual items showed an increase in number of times clinical research was read and shared with colleagues. Total JC attendance increased from 36 in 2009, 390 in 2010, 1,075 in 2011 and 696 in 2012.
Conclusions
Engagement in JCs moved implementation of EBP forward in our clinical setting. Providing a simple, straightforward approach for staff to participate in research utilization can improve the uptake of EBP whereby nurses can support patients to achieve optimal patient outcomes.
See more of: Oral Paper & Poster: Evidence-Based Practice Sessions