Using pedagogical approaches to influence evidence‐based practice integration – processes and recommendations: findings from a grounded theory study

• Published in: Journal of advanced nursing Vol. 73; no. 4; pp. 883 - 893
• Main Authors: Malik, Gulzar, McKenna, Lisa, Griffiths, Debra
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.04.2017
• Subjects: Adult; Attitude of Health Personnel; Australia; Curricula; Curriculum; Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate - organization & administration; Evidence-based nursing; Evidence-Based Nursing - education; Evidence-Based Nursing - organization & administration; evidence‐based practice; evidence‐based practice process; Faculty, Nursing - psychology; Female; Grounded Theory; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; nurse academics; nursing curriculum; Nursing education; pedagogical approaches; Pedagogy; Teaching; Teaching - organization & administration; teaching strategies; undergraduate curriculum; Australia; nurse academics; teaching strategies; evidence-based practice; grounded theory; evidence-based practice process; nursing curriculum; pedagogical approaches; undergraduate curriculum
• ISSN: 0309-2402; 1365-2648; 1365-2648
• DOI: 10.1111/jan.13175

Aims The study aimed to explore the processes undertaken by nurse academics when integrating evidence‐based practice (EBP) into their teaching and learning practices. This article focuses on pedagogical approaches employed by academics to influence evidence‐based practice integration into undergraduate programs across Australian universities. Background Nursing academics are challenged to incorporate a variety of teaching and learning strategies to teach evidence‐based practice and determine their effectiveness. However, literature suggests that there are limited studies available focusing on pedagogical approaches in evidence‐based practice education. Design A constructivist grounded theory methodology, informed by Charmaz was used for this study. Methods Data were collected during 2014 from 23 nurse academics across Australian universities through semi‐structured interviews. Additionally, nine were observed during teaching of undergraduate students. Twenty subject outlines were also analysed following Charmaz's approach of data analysis. Findings ‘Influencing EBP integration’ describes the pedagogical approaches employed by academics to incorporate EBP knowledge and skills into undergraduate curricula. With the use of various teaching and learning strategies, academics attempted to contextualize EBP by engaging students with activities aiming to link evidence to practice and with the EBP process. Although, some strategies appeared to be engaging, others were traditional and seemed to be disengaging for students due to the challenges experienced by participants that impeded the use of the most effective teaching methods. Conclusion Study findings offer valuable insights into the teaching practices and identify some key challenges that require the adoption of appropriate strategies to ensure future nurses are well prepared in the paradigm of evidence‐based practice.