Teaching evidence-based practice principles to prepare health professions students for an interprofessional learning experience

Authors

  • Nell Aronoff Senior Assistant Librarian, Libraries, University at Buffalo, Abbott Hall, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214 http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2611-2345
  • Elizabeth Stellrecht Senior Assistant Librarian, Libraries, University at Buffalo, Abbott Hall, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214 http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9524-6171
  • Amy G. Lyons Associate Librarian, Libraries, University at Buffalo, Abbott Hall, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214 http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3132-0050
  • Michelle L. Zafron Associate Librarian, Libraries, University at Buffalo, Abbott Hall, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214 http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5961-5630
  • Maryruth Glogowski Associate Vice President, Resources for Information, Technology, and Education, SUNY Buffalo State, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14222
  • Jeremiah Grabowski Online Programs Coordinator, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, 434 Kimball Tower, Buffalo, NY 14214
  • Patricia J. Ohtake Associate Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Science, University at Buffalo, 515 Kimball Tower, Buffalo, NY 14214 http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9493-7205

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/jmla.2017.179

Keywords:

Students, Health Occupations, Interprofessional Relations, Interprofessional Education, Evidence-Based Practice, Computer-Assisted Instruction, Online Learning, E-Learning, Flipped Classroom

Abstract

Objective: The research assessed online learning modules designed to teach health professions students evidence-based practice (EBP) principles in an interprofessional context across two institutions.

Methods: Students from nine health professions at two institutions were recruited to participate in this pilot project consisting of two online learning modules designed to prepare students for an in-person case-based interprofessional activity. Librarians and an instructional designer created two EBP modules. Students’ competence in EBP was assessed before and after the modules as well as after the in-person activity. Students evaluated the online learning modules and their impact on the students’ learning after the in-person session.

Results: A total of 39 students from 8 health professions programs participated in the project. Average quiz scores for online EBP module 1 and module 2 were 83% and 76%, respectively. Following completion of the learning modules, adapted Fresno test of competence in EBP scores increased (p=0.001), indicating that the modules improved EBP skill competence. Student evaluations of the learning modules were positive. Students indicated that they acquired new information skills that contributed to their ability to develop a patient care plan and that they would use these information skills in their future clinical practice.

Conclusions: Online EBP learning modules were effective in developing EBP knowledge and skills for health professions students. Using the same modules ensured that students from different health professions at different stages of their professional programs had consistent knowledge and enabled each student to fully engage in an interprofessional evidence-based activity. Student feedback indicated the modules were valued and beneficial.

Author Biographies

Nell Aronoff, Senior Assistant Librarian, Libraries, University at Buffalo, Abbott Hall, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214

Senior Assistant Librarian

Elizabeth Stellrecht, Senior Assistant Librarian, Libraries, University at Buffalo, Abbott Hall, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214

Senior Assistant Librarian

Amy G. Lyons, Associate Librarian, Libraries, University at Buffalo, Abbott Hall, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214

Associate Librarian

Michelle L. Zafron, Associate Librarian, Libraries, University at Buffalo, Abbott Hall, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214

Associate Librarian

Maryruth Glogowski, Associate Vice President, Resources for Information, Technology, and Education, SUNY Buffalo State, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14222

Associate Vice President, Resources for Information, Technology, and Education

Jeremiah Grabowski, Online Programs Coordinator, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, 434 Kimball Tower, Buffalo, NY 14214

Online Programs Coordinator, School of Public Health and Health Professions

Patricia J. Ohtake, Associate Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Science, University at Buffalo, 515 Kimball Tower, Buffalo, NY 14214

Associate Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Science

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Published

2017-10-02

Issue

Section

Surveys and Studies