Learning Objective #1: Describe qualitative and quantitative strategies for investigating students' perceptions of evidence-based practice

Learning Objective #2: Describe selected nursing students' definitions and perceptions of evidence-based practice

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Introduction/Purpose: The support for an evidence-based approach to nursing practice is broad-based and widely held by both clinicians and educators. Two studies conducted by this researcher (2002; 2004) revealed that NPs currently in clinical practice generally defined evidence-based practice as research based practice. These clinicians had definitions and perceptions of what specifically constituted evidence-based work that were varied; many experienced difficulty in describing this practice approach. Many of the nurses who were surveyed learned about evidence-based practice in their graduate study thus highlighting the importance of understanding how nursing students define and perceive this area of practice. At the present time, data available on student definitions and perceptions of evidence-based practice remains limited. The purpose of this project is to survey nursing students at all levels of undergraduate and graduate education to address the research question: “What are nursing students' definitions and perceptions of evidence-based practice?”

Methodology: This descriptive survey employs non-random sampling methods to obtain data from undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in selected nursing programs in the San Francisco Bay Area. Data collection will occur from December, 2004 through May, 2005. The study will include a 4-6 item survey questionnaire regarding evidence-based practice and a brief demographic questionnaire previously used by this researcher in 2002 and 2004. Survey question data will be analyzed qualitatively using content analysis; descriptive statistics will be used to quantitatively analyze demographic data.

Results: Data collection for this study is in progress; data from the completed study will be available in June, 2005.

Summary and Implications: Prior research has identified difficulties and challenges experienced by clinicians in defining evidence-based practice. Study of nursing students at all levels of undergraduate and graduate education may serve to provide additional and important information in this area.