Evidence-based practice education for healthcare professions: an expert view

BMJ Evid Based Med. 2019 Jun;24(3):103-108. doi: 10.1136/bmjebm-2018-111019. Epub 2018 Nov 15.

Abstract

Internationally, evidence-based practice (EBP) is recognised as a foundational element of healthcare professional education. Achieving competency in this area is a complex undertaking that is reflected in disparities between 'best EBP' and actual clinical care. The effective development and implementation of professional education to facilitate EBP remains a major and immediate challenge. To ascertain nuanced perspectives on the provision of EBP education internationally, interviews were conducted with five EBP education experts from the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Definitive advice was provided in relation to (1) EBP curriculum considerations, (2) teaching EBP and (3) stakeholder engagement in EBP education. While a considerable amount of EBP activity throughout health profession education is apparent, effectively embedding EBP throughout curricula requires further development, with a 'real-world' pragmatic approach that engenders dialogue and engagement with all stakeholders required.

Keywords: qualitative research.

MeSH terms

  • Curriculum
  • Education, Continuing / methods
  • Evidence-Based Practice / education*
  • Health Personnel / education
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Teaching