Developing and evaluating an evidence-based practice research competency enhancement program for clinical nurses in Korea: a pilot study

Abstract Background Evidence-based practice (EBP) is crucial for delivering high-quality healthcare and effective self-care. Enhancing clinical nurses’ research competencies through structured mentorship is key to the widespread application of EBP. This study evaluated a newly developed Research Com...

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Main Authors: Suhyun Kim, Hye Won Jeong
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2024-03-01
Series:BMC Nursing
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-024-01749-8
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author Suhyun Kim
Hye Won Jeong
author_facet Suhyun Kim
Hye Won Jeong
author_sort Suhyun Kim
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Evidence-based practice (EBP) is crucial for delivering high-quality healthcare and effective self-care. Enhancing clinical nurses’ research competencies through structured mentorship is key to the widespread application of EBP. This study evaluated a newly developed Research Competency Enhancement Program (RCEP), aimed at bolstering EBP among experienced nurses. Methods Conducted in a tertiary university hospital in Korea, this single-group study employed a pretest-post-test design and a mixed-methods approach. The RCEP involved 11 experienced clinical nurses in an 8-week intervention, featuring mentor-led workshops, interactive sessions, and resource-driven activities. Data were collected using the Evidence-Based Practice Beliefs Scale (EBPB), the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPA), and the Research Practice Ability (RPA) tool, alongside qualitative feedback. These measures assessed the program’s feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness. Results The quantitative analysis indicated significant improvements in research competency post-intervention. Mean scores on the EBPB and RPA scales increased (Z = -2.53, p = .011; Z = -2.66, p = .008). Participants described the RCEP as inspirational and challenging, creating an environment conducive to research. Facilitators included mentor support and innovative learning tools, while barriers were internet connectivity and scheduling conflicts. Suggestions for improvement included more hands-on sessions, small team collaborations, and integration with academic institutions. Conclusion The RCEP, facilitated by EBP mentors, significantly improved the research competencies and attitudes of clinical nurses towards EBP. The study underscores the importance of continual RCEP refinement, integrating structured, interactive, and collaborative elements to further empower nurses in evidence-based practice. The program shows promise in enhancing research competencies and fostering a commitment to EBP in clinical settings.
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spelling doaj.art-aa39cf872c0a4af3bfe241491f1411652024-03-05T18:36:46ZengBMCBMC Nursing1472-69552024-03-0123111110.1186/s12912-024-01749-8Developing and evaluating an evidence-based practice research competency enhancement program for clinical nurses in Korea: a pilot studySuhyun Kim0Hye Won Jeong1Department of Nursing, Mokpo National UniversityDepartment of Nursing, Nursing Education Team, Chonnam National University Hospital and College of Nursing, Chonnam National UniversityAbstract Background Evidence-based practice (EBP) is crucial for delivering high-quality healthcare and effective self-care. Enhancing clinical nurses’ research competencies through structured mentorship is key to the widespread application of EBP. This study evaluated a newly developed Research Competency Enhancement Program (RCEP), aimed at bolstering EBP among experienced nurses. Methods Conducted in a tertiary university hospital in Korea, this single-group study employed a pretest-post-test design and a mixed-methods approach. The RCEP involved 11 experienced clinical nurses in an 8-week intervention, featuring mentor-led workshops, interactive sessions, and resource-driven activities. Data were collected using the Evidence-Based Practice Beliefs Scale (EBPB), the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPA), and the Research Practice Ability (RPA) tool, alongside qualitative feedback. These measures assessed the program’s feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness. Results The quantitative analysis indicated significant improvements in research competency post-intervention. Mean scores on the EBPB and RPA scales increased (Z = -2.53, p = .011; Z = -2.66, p = .008). Participants described the RCEP as inspirational and challenging, creating an environment conducive to research. Facilitators included mentor support and innovative learning tools, while barriers were internet connectivity and scheduling conflicts. Suggestions for improvement included more hands-on sessions, small team collaborations, and integration with academic institutions. Conclusion The RCEP, facilitated by EBP mentors, significantly improved the research competencies and attitudes of clinical nurses towards EBP. The study underscores the importance of continual RCEP refinement, integrating structured, interactive, and collaborative elements to further empower nurses in evidence-based practice. The program shows promise in enhancing research competencies and fostering a commitment to EBP in clinical settings.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-024-01749-8Evidence-based practiceMentorsPilot projectsMixed method
spellingShingle Suhyun Kim
Hye Won Jeong
Developing and evaluating an evidence-based practice research competency enhancement program for clinical nurses in Korea: a pilot study
BMC Nursing
Evidence-based practice
Mentors
Pilot projects
Mixed method
title Developing and evaluating an evidence-based practice research competency enhancement program for clinical nurses in Korea: a pilot study
title_full Developing and evaluating an evidence-based practice research competency enhancement program for clinical nurses in Korea: a pilot study
title_fullStr Developing and evaluating an evidence-based practice research competency enhancement program for clinical nurses in Korea: a pilot study
title_full_unstemmed Developing and evaluating an evidence-based practice research competency enhancement program for clinical nurses in Korea: a pilot study
title_short Developing and evaluating an evidence-based practice research competency enhancement program for clinical nurses in Korea: a pilot study
title_sort developing and evaluating an evidence based practice research competency enhancement program for clinical nurses in korea a pilot study
topic Evidence-based practice
Mentors
Pilot projects
Mixed method
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-024-01749-8
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