Evaluation of a critical appraisal program for clinical nurses: a controlled before-and-after study.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based practice is important to.clinical health care professionals. Clinical nurses can make informed decisions by applying the best evidence to their care. However, standardized curricula on evidence-based medicine are lacking in nursing education programs. This study evaluated a critical appraisal education program and assessed its value in increasing nurses' knowledge of critical appraisal and confidence in their critical appraisal skills. METHODS: A controlled before-and-after study design was used. The education program integrated lectures,practice, and group discussion. A questionnaire was used to evaluate participants' knowledge and confidence in critical appraisal pre- and postintervention. RESULTS: Participants' knowledge and confidence in critical appraisal improved significantly postintervention(both p < .001 ). CONCLUSION: A 1-day, small group discussion education program can effectively improve nurses' knowledge and confidence in critical appraisal. Educators and administrators may replicate this education program to improve the quality of nursing care