Article type
Abstract
"Background
Nursing care has an important impact on patient outcomes, but the majority of reviews focus on topics of interest to physicians and hospital administrators. Clinical nurses are often not experienced in conducting systematic reviews to guide evidence-based practice.
Objectives
Enable nurses to conduct high-quality systematic reviews, (including evidence appraisal and critical analysis of guidelines and other high-level evidence) and leverage findings to inform development of programs, policies, and protocols.
Methods
We established a partnership between the Department of Nursing and an evidence-based practice center to train nurses in rigorous evidence search and synthesis methods. We created a seminar-style practicum where nurses gained hands-on experience. Nurses select topics of interest for which a systematic review is needed to update practice according to the latest evidence.
The course syllabus has 18 lecture/discussion units, completed synchronously in virtual format over approximately seven months. The remainder of the course comprises weekly one-to-one meetings to work through specific evidence and review project progress.
Results
We initiated the practicum in February 2020. Three cohorts have completed it; the fourth will complete it in spring 2024. Approximate time in the program was 18 months: pandemic-related clinical responsibilities and temporary changes of duty slowed progress. We revised the syllabus before the fourth cohort to expedite completion within the 12 month target. Collectively of the four cohorts, 22 nurses participated in 14 systematic review project teams, 12 of which were ultimately completed. Of the 12 reviews, six were disseminated as peer-reviewed posters. Two reviews served as the foundation for externally-funded research studies. Another led to an externally-funded quality improvement project. Manuscripts are in preparation.
Conclusions
Nurses in clinical practice can complete high-quality evidence reviews that will guide improvements to care, and inform future research. The practicum positions nurses as leaders and scientists, adding to the value of nursing practice and improving clinical outcomes. Investments were needed to provide release time for nurses to participate in the program and provide mentors to support them, but our health system and nursing administrators have found this to be of benefit not only to the participants but to our entire nursing staff."
Nursing care has an important impact on patient outcomes, but the majority of reviews focus on topics of interest to physicians and hospital administrators. Clinical nurses are often not experienced in conducting systematic reviews to guide evidence-based practice.
Objectives
Enable nurses to conduct high-quality systematic reviews, (including evidence appraisal and critical analysis of guidelines and other high-level evidence) and leverage findings to inform development of programs, policies, and protocols.
Methods
We established a partnership between the Department of Nursing and an evidence-based practice center to train nurses in rigorous evidence search and synthesis methods. We created a seminar-style practicum where nurses gained hands-on experience. Nurses select topics of interest for which a systematic review is needed to update practice according to the latest evidence.
The course syllabus has 18 lecture/discussion units, completed synchronously in virtual format over approximately seven months. The remainder of the course comprises weekly one-to-one meetings to work through specific evidence and review project progress.
Results
We initiated the practicum in February 2020. Three cohorts have completed it; the fourth will complete it in spring 2024. Approximate time in the program was 18 months: pandemic-related clinical responsibilities and temporary changes of duty slowed progress. We revised the syllabus before the fourth cohort to expedite completion within the 12 month target. Collectively of the four cohorts, 22 nurses participated in 14 systematic review project teams, 12 of which were ultimately completed. Of the 12 reviews, six were disseminated as peer-reviewed posters. Two reviews served as the foundation for externally-funded research studies. Another led to an externally-funded quality improvement project. Manuscripts are in preparation.
Conclusions
Nurses in clinical practice can complete high-quality evidence reviews that will guide improvements to care, and inform future research. The practicum positions nurses as leaders and scientists, adding to the value of nursing practice and improving clinical outcomes. Investments were needed to provide release time for nurses to participate in the program and provide mentors to support them, but our health system and nursing administrators have found this to be of benefit not only to the participants but to our entire nursing staff."