title: 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 ).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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
authors: Department of Nursing, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan.
authors: Shu-Chen
authors: SC
authors: Chang
authors: Chin-Yi
authors: CY
authors: Huang
authors: Shu-Yu
authors: SY
authors: Chen
authors: Yi-Cheng
authors: YC
authors: Liao
authors: Ching-Hsiung
authors: CH
authors: Lin
authors: Hsiu-Hung
authors: HH
authors: Wang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D055318:Evidence-Based Nursing / Q000193:education*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education*; D013624:Taiwan