Nursing

Evidence-based journal clubs: Simple and effective

HCPro's Weekly Update on the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®*, September 13, 2005

A common barrier to implementing evidence based practice is nurses' lack of experience in performing literature searches and critiques, according to Marian C. Turkel, RN, PhD, an independent ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® consultant based in Chicago. To overcome this obstacle, she suggests establishing a journal club. These clubs introduce staff nurses to research by reviewing and critiquing articles. "Journal clubs are very important to starting evidence based practice," she says. "People often think of them as basic, but they are essential for nurses to become comfortable finding, critiquing, and discussing articles." When selecting appropriate articles, it's most important to pick articles that are easy to read, recommends Turkel. She also says that literature should be no more than five years old to ensure the use of current content.

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