The value of an evidence based practice module to skill development

Background: A degree level EBP module is undertaken by students on post-qualifying programmes to develop critical appraisal skills gained at diploma level. Despite training in EBP skills, there is some suggestion that health care professionals lack confidence in this area and fail to make the links between evidence and practice. The purpose of this study was to investigate this issue further. Aims: To identify how the EBP skills developed on the module were utilised in practice, and to identify what local barriers there were in using these skills. Methods: A survey of all students who had completed the module within the past three years (n = 393) followed by interviews to explore further issues that emerged from the survey. Results: One hundred and ninety one completed questionnaires (48.6% response rate). The results showed that the students perceived themselves as 'quite skilled' or 'competent' with regard to the key EBP skills, and that completion of the module had contributed 'greatly' to this skill acquisition. Results from the interviews showed that time and cultural issues were the greatest barriers to using and developing further the EBP skills gained. Conclusions: The value of the module was apparent. For skills to be developed further in the work place, cultural changes need to occur. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.