St. Joseph's Healthcare System

Online Nursing Journal Club

Introduction

An On-Line Journal Club has been formed to introduce evidence-based practice and research concepts to promote "best practices" that support positive outcomes for St. Joseph’s Regional Healthcare System employees and patients.

Aim

To stimulate inquiry, promote education and facilitate the application of evidence-based practice at the bedside. The On-Line Journal Club’s aim is to investigate the evidence for current practice and reduce unsafe practice and/or promote effective practice of the healthcare team.

The Purpose

The On-Line Journal Club will strive to:

• Enhance nurses' ability to critically evaluate published research
• Develop an awareness of current research studies specific to neonatal professional nursing practice
• Evaluate current practice based on evidence-based research findings
• Share information with all neonatal staff
• Stimulate the growth of critical thinking skills
• Enhance nurses' knowledge of the research process
• Motivate nurses to participate in evidence-based practice and or nursing research at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center

Topics

The journal article will be chosen from the respected divisions at EBP Council and l reviewed by librarian services prior to being posted monthly on the Health Sciences Library and Nursing Intranet web pages.

Format

• Article review outlines E-mail messaging
• Possible future discussion groups
• Continuing Education Credits will be provided only for those divisions who properly summit for application through the St. Joseph’s Center for Education and Staff Development.

Objectives

The On-Line Navigator:

• Identify the EBP question
• Conduct search for evidence
• Review sources for their quality, quantity and consistency determining the strength of the evidence
• Determine appropriateness and feasibility of translating recommendations into specific setting in their division
• Develop strategies and recommendations for change in processes of care or systems on the basis of strength of evidence

Methods

The EBP Nursing Council translates clinical questions from their respected staff members into the PICO format to search for the evidence and choose appropriate research articles for evaluation that supports the inquiry. This creates an infrastructure for evidence and research within the care setting and enables the pursuit of potentially better practices, the On-Line Journal Club adopted the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice for improvement to monitor, and evaluate the use of the evidence.