Evidence-Based Practice Curriculum Development for Undergraduate Nursing Students: The Preliminary Results of an Action Research Study in Taiwan

BACKGROUND: Equipping undergraduate nursing students with sufficient competence in evidence-based practice (EBP) is essential to meeting future practice needs. Integrating necessary EBP knowledge and skills systematically into the formal curriculum allows students to obtain better learning experience and outcomes. However, in Taiwan, a systematic nursing curriculum that integrates EBP concepts across the 4-year nursing baccalaureate program has not yet been developed. Moreover, engaging students in the clinical application of evidence remains a key challenge facing nursing education. PURPOSE: This study aimed to construct an EBP undergraduate nursing curriculum and develop clinical scenarios that support EBP teaching. METHODS: Three cycles of action research, incorporating both focus group interviews and questionnaire surveys, were applied to construct and evaluate the appropriateness and feasibility of the EBP nursing curriculum and relevant teaching strategies. RESULTS: An EBP nursing curriculum was constructed that integrates the three levels of learning objectives and corresponding learning outcomes, teaching content, and learning activities. Scenario activities were developed to familiarize students with the EBP process and to maximize their learning with regard to the clinical application of evidence. Next, a preliminary evaluation showed the appropriateness and feasibility of the developed curriculum, which was shown to foster the EBP competency of students and increase their confidence and positive attitudes toward EBP. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: A systematic EBP bachelor nursing curriculum with effective pedagogical strategies was developed. The associated process and the elicited information may offer a valuable reference for other nursing schools.