Magnitude of change in outcomes following entry-level evidence-based practice training: a systematic review

Objectives: The aim of this systematic review was to determine the magnitude of change (effect size) in outcomes (knowledge, attitudes, behaviours, skills and confidence) following evidence-based practice training in entry-level health professional students. Methods: Six electronic databases were searched for primary studies that investigated the effectiveness of evidencebased practice intervention(s) and reported on, or included data, to allow the calculation of effect size. Data were extracted regarding the effect size, or enabling calculation of effect size (mean, standard deviation, standard error, sample size). Results: Eight studies were found that met the inclusion criteria. Effect sizes for evidence-based practice knowledge and skills ranged from small (0.33) to huge (5.42). Four studies exploring attitudes found negligible (0.075) to medium (0.57) effect sizes. These studies assessing behaviours showed effect sizes ranging from negligible (0.031) to very large (1.34). Very large (0.89) and huge (3.03) effect sizes were reported for confidence with evidence-based practice. Conclusions: Few studies reported the effect size for outcomes and many did not report sufficient data to enable calculation of effect size. Considerable and varied improvements were found in students’ evidence-based