Impact of an Evidence-Based Searching Class for Nurses

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Impact of an Evidence-Based Searching Class for
Nurses
Jill E. Foust, MLS, Reference Librarian/ Liaison
to the School of Nursing Health Sciences Library
System Kathryn R. Puskar, RN, DrPH, CS, FAAN
Associate Professor, School of
Nursing University of Pittsburgh
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Purpose

• Describe and evaluate the implementation of an
  evidenced-based searching class for graduate
  nursing students
• Measure students database searching skill
  retention after initial intervention/test through
  final test at semester end

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The Study

• Intervention consists of basic database and
  evidence-based searching instruction
• Post intervention survey/test
• Evidence-based protocol research paper
• Semester end survey/test
• Evaluated results

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The Intervention

• 31 graduate nursing students
• Intervention took place second session of core
  graduate Nursing Theory Research class

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Intervention Structure

• Hands-on instruction delivered by a reference
  librarian
• Basic searching skills taught using Ovid CINAHL,
  MEDLINE, and PsycINFO
• Lecture focused on evidence-based nursing and
  searching process
• Literature searched using evidence-based examples
• Post intervention survey/test taken

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Challenges/Solutions

• Novice searchers with varying degrees of computer
  literacy
• Large class size
• Age range from early 20s to mid 50s

• Focused on basics
• Students worked in groups of two
• Librarian and School of Nursing Instructor
  provided extra help after class

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Students Primary ResearchInformation Resources
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Self-Rating of Student Search Expertise
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The Survey/Test

• Self-rating scale
• Twelve basic multiple choice questions (3
  survey/9 test)
• Test covered examples from lecture
• Post intervention survey/test taken
• Same survey/test retaken end of semester

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Sample Test Questions

• 1. What option should a searcher select in order
  to include related but more specific medical
  subject headings in a CINAHL or MEDLINE search?
• a. Subheading
• b. Explode
• c. Focus
• d. None of the above
• e. All of the Above
• 2. Which of the following is the best way to
  search the topic privacy issues and electronic
  medical records in CINAHL or MEDLINE?
• a. Type the entire search topic on the command
  line privacy issues and electronic
  medical records
• b. Break the topic down by subject, then
  search each subject separately and combine
  the search results
• c. Search each word individually, then combine
  the search results
• d. None of the above
• e. All of the above

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Post Intervention Test Results

• 31 students took test
• 28 students answered at least 7 test questions
  correctly
• If graded on a pass/fail basis 28 students would
  have passed

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Semester End Test Results

• 31 students took test
• 28 students answered at least 7 test questions
  correctly
• Questions answered correctly on post intervention
  test and semester end test varied
• If graded on a pass/fail basis 28 students would
  have passed

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Comparison of Questions Answered Correctly on
Both Tests
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gt7 Test Questions Answered Correctly
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Frequently Missed Test Questions on Both Tests

• 1/2 of the students confused the concepts
  Restrict to Focus and Explode
• lt 1/3 of the students were unable to break a
  search request into discrete concepts

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Evidence-Based Research Protocol Paper

• Required (30 of grade)
• Examines weighted clinical studies involving the
  implementation of treatment with special
  attention to the adherence of treatment
  specifications
• Papers were graded based on students
  understanding of the evidence process
• Average grade B

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Conclusion

• Majority of students comprehended lecture
  information and retained information throughout
  semester
• Based on survey/test results and the
  evidence-based protocol research paper this class
  provides a solid foundation for the study of
  evidence-based practice

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Appendix

• Survey/Test