Using New Resources to Teach Evidence-Based Practice

This article describes an innovative strategy used to teach evidence-based practice (EBP) concepts in an undergraduate research course and explains the underlying framework used to design the strategy. The strategy for the Evidence-Based Practice Project was based on new resources: undergraduate nursing student competencies for EBP, national health care improvement priorities, evidence rating systems, and a model of knowledge transformation for EBP. Groups of students selected a priority area, categorized and critically appraised the evidence supporting the recommendation for change in health care practice, and compared the recommendation to actual practice. An oral and poster presentation of the project provided the opportunity to discuss the significance, influence, and strength of the evidence supporting the recommendation to change health care practice. Student presentations and faculty perceptions of the project indicated beginning competencies in EBP were achieved.