An Innovative Approach to Teaching Evidence-Based Practice: Use of PICO Pal.

Abstract

An innovative remote learning intervention, PICO Pal, was implemented with groups of undergraduate nursing students in a nursing research course to promote interactive learning, collaboration, and information literacy. Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a challenging topic to teach nursing students, especially in a remote learning environment. PICO Pal used Apple Numbers to facilitate remote group work on a PICOT poster. The approach was evaluated using pre- and posttest surveys with 50 undergraduate nursing students at a small private university in New Jersey. The evaluation showed positive perceptions of the assignment and gains with knowledge of EBP. However, there were no gains in the perceptions of group work. The assignment was effective at teaching aspects of the EBP process but should be reevaluated to maximize group work dynamics and comfort with use of technology.