Effect of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Courses on MSN and DNP Students' Use of EBP

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of evidence-based practice (EBP) courses on nursing students' attitudes, perceived support from their professional network, self-efficacy, knowledge, and implementation of EBP.

Design: This study utilized a two-group, pre- and posttest design with 190 Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) and 37 Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) students.

Methods: An EBP instrument based on the theory of planned behavior was administered both before and after the EBP course (the intervention).

Findings: Both the pre- and posttest were completed by 126 students for a 56% response rate. No significant differences between the MSN (n = 102) and DNP (n = 24) students were found in precourse scores on any of the subscales except behavior, with the DNP students reporting they performed more EBP behaviors in the clinical setting. Overall, student scores on three of the four subscales of the EBP instrument (attitudes, self-efficacy, and behavior) significantly increased pre- to postcourse. The self-efficacy subscale demonstrated the greatest pre- to postcourse change scores. When the DNP and MSN students were compared, change scores on attitudes and self-efficacy remained significant in both groups. There was a significant positive change in EBP behavior only for the MSN students. Knowledge scores increased significantly only for the DNP students.

Linking evidence to action: EBP courses can increase self-reported EBP behaviors in the clinical setting, especially in MSN students. A precourse student evaluation will help faculty determine their learning needs in order to develop appropriate learning activities to support their acquisition of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities to use EBP in the clinical setting. Administering the same evaluation postcourse can help faculty evaluate the effectiveness of their teaching. As a result, advanced practice nurses will be better equipped to facilitate and promote the implementation of EBP to support high-quality care and improved health outcomes.