An analysis of evidence-based practice courses in Korean nursing education systems

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the current status of evidence-based practice (EBP) courses and EBP-related courses in Korean nursing education systems. METHOD: Subject institutions were 159 institutions including 99 universities and 60 colleges with a bachelor's degree program accredited by the Korean Accreditation Board of Nursing Education. Two researchers independently collected data from the subject institutions based on the curricula published on the website of each university or college, and the collected datasets were cross-checked to ensure data accuracy. RESULTS: EBP courses were found in a small portion of institutions (13.2%). Research courses were offered in most institutions (98.7%), but they were usually provided to third- or fourth-year students. CONCLUSION: Understanding the concept of EBP and knowledge of nursing research and statistics are both prerequisites to strengthening the EBP competence of nursing students. Therefore, it is imperative to equip them with the required knowledge prior to their clinical practicum.