Evidence-Based Practice Integration Across Hawaiʻi’s Academic Institutions

Abstract

Learner Objective 1: Describe the creation of a state-wide evidence-based program to integrate EBP into undergraduate curricula Learner Objective 2: Delineate specific approaches identified by educators to facilitate academic integration BACKGROUND: The Institute of Medicine (2010), the Quality and Safety Education in Nursing Institute (2014), and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2006) consistently charge nurse academicians to integrate evidence-based practice (EBP) content into their nursing programs. However, sporadic and narrowly-focused content often fails to achieve EBP competencies necessary for the novice practicing nurse. METHODS: A PubMed search from 2011 to 2016 using keywords ‘Teaching EBP AND Nurs’ yielded 47 articles; 22 were critiqued and graded. Most (12) used program evaluation designs; nine reported strategies used to teach critiquing skills. The evidence base for how best to integrate EBP content into undergraduate curriculum is lacking in quality, quantity, and consistency. However, previously tested pedagogical strategies were suggested, such as integrating EBP content into each course, moving from simple to complex concepts, and application to practice. RESULTS: The Hawai‘i State Center for Nursing offered a three-day EBP workshop for nurse educators from schools of nursing, statewide. Using the Iowa Model as the framework, nurse faculty leveled and spiraled EBP content across undergraduate curriculum. With the assistance of a research librarian and EBP faculty, educators learned information literacy content and identified various teaching strategies for each course, entry level to senior year. Fifty nurse faculty from seven of the nine state’s schools of nursing attended the workshop. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: The Center’s statewide approach offers the academic community the support necessary for successful integration of EBP. Systematic evaluation will be important for future implementation.