Assisting undergraduate nursing students to learn evidence-based practice through self-directed learning and workshop strategies during clinical practicum

SummaryTo equip undergraduate nursing students with basic knowledge and skills and foster positive attitudes toward evidence-based practice (EBP), a pilot learning program during their clinical practicum was developed in a teaching hospital in China. This article describes the specific learning process through which self-directed learning and workshop strategies were used, and a pre- and post-intervention survey were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the learning strategies. The findings show a significant improvement in their perceptions of EBP knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, and behavior levels. Beginning competencies in EBP were achieved. Participants reported great satisfaction and have found this program helpful in promoting their analytical and problem-solving abilities, independent learning ability, and cooperative and communication abilities as well.

Research highlights
► Self-directed learning combined with workshop strategy is first used in EBP learning.
► Beginning competencies in EBP and positive attitudes were achieved in the process.
► A set of SDL plan with resources and objectives for EBP learning was developed.
► Workshop strategy was proved to be beneficial for learning research evaluation skills.
► Independent learning, cooperative and communication skills were improved as well.