Use of evidence by nursing students: An interdisciplinary study

This project, conducted by an interdisciplinary team comprising nursing academics and information professionals, focused on nursing students' access to, and use of, learning resources with respect to an evidence-based practice assignment. From the information professionals' perspective, there was interest in examining the level of use of information, the use of print versus electronic media, students' application of critical and evaluative skills to information sources, and how access to learning resources and libraries is still important. The nursing academics were concerned with exploring the students' perceptions of evidence and what was perceived by them to be “quality evidence.” References used by the students were tabulated and analyzed, and subsequent to this, focus groups were conducted to ascertain the degree of ease with which the students found information and the types of support afforded to them in tracking down information. The results highlight the continuing importance of access to libraries and learning resources and of an equitable level of staff support. They also raise questions that provide a springboard for future research.