The role of journal clubs in bridging the research-practice gap

Abstract

Corchon and colleagues 11Methods: Surveys measuring nursing research culture, research knowledge, and perceptions of research facilitators/ barriers in 61 (control) and 57 (intervention) nurses. Surveys were taken before and after multifaceted EBP intervention, including journal clubs, at a university hospital in Spain.Journal club format: Unit-based journal clubs were part of larger EBP program including integration of EBP philosophy in nursing job description, nursing grand rounds, research and EBP workshops, multidisciplinary EBP practice council, annual research symposium and research bulletin template for unit display. Results and recommendations:The control group demonstrated significant improvement in attitudes toward research (P<0.01). Otherwise, no changes were noted. The intervention group demonstrated significantly improved knowledge (P<0.01), and initial improvement in skill to use research (P<0.01), although this was not maintained. Participants regarded the journal club as the most effective element of the intervention.Limitations: Intervention was offered to a self-selecting convenience sample at a single institution. The sample size of the intervention group was reported as 57; however, data for some scales were limited to sample of 9.Rating strength/quality: II/B What the research says about journal clubsIn the strength/quality ratings, II indicates a quasi-experimental study, III indicates a qualitative study, V indicates a quality improvement or program evaluation, A indicates high quality, and B indicates good quality.(continued)

Empowering change with traditional or virtual journal clubs

“…Leaders may choose articles, create guidelines for reading, encourage reading the articles before the meeting, and plan incentives, such as continuing nursing education credits or food. 4 However, nurses at all levels should be included in journal clubs and mentored for professional development. 11 Leaders may develop Power-Point presentations to provide a visual approach to learning and discussion.…”

Searching with critical appraisal tools

“…2 Participation in a journal club (JC) can improve members' abilities to critically appraise the quality of research. 3,4 The use of a formalized critical appraisal tool (CAT) during JC facilitates improvement in appraisal skills. 3,4 The purpose of this article is to review the literature on selecting a CAT.…”