Integration of evidence-based practice in nursing education: a novel approach

Headnote

Abstract

Evidence based practice (EBP) has gained momentum globally, to provide effective and efficient health care. Although EBP has evolved to a great extent over the last two decades and is accepted as an important concept by all health care professionals, its integration in practice is still challenging. Integration of EBP in nursing profession both in nursing practice and nursing education is an important issue. This article describes the experience of the authors in integrating evidence based practice in nursing education in Manipal University. It focuses on the training of nurse educators in EBP, alignment of EBP in curriculum and EBP practicum in curriculum so as to enable a nurse to identify evidences, make appropriate clinical decisions and utilize EBP in rendering scientific and quality patient care.

Keywords: Evidence Based Practice (EBP), Evidence Based Nursing, Evidence Based Healthcare, Evidence Based Education, Nursing Education.

INTRODUCTION

Rigorously tested best possible evidence must be the basis for effective clinical practice. Although healthcare professionals have used research as a basis for practice since long time, a systematic approach to the translation of research into practice has been introduced recently. Yet, it is only in the past two decades that an emphasis on evidence as a basis for practice reached the forefront of healthcare (Houser and Oman, 2011). The rapid technological advancements have supported quick communication of best practices, and have given wide access to consumers to access healthcare information easily. As a result, evidence-based practice is quickly becoming the norm for effective clinical practice globally. Evidence Based Practice (EBP) is a problem solving approach to clinical care that incorporates the conscientious use of current best evidence from welldesigned studies, clinician's expertise, and patient's values and preferences (Melnykand FineoutOverholt, 2005; Sackett et al., 2000). Although EBP has evolved to a great extent over the last two decades, and is accepted as an important concept by all health care professionals, its integration in practice is still a challenge in nursing profession too, integration of EBP in practice and nursing education remains as an important issue. Developed countries have made greater progress in integration of EBP in patient care and training of health professionals. However, EBP is still in its infancy in developing countries like India, although there are obvious advantages...