title: Using a multiuser virtual environment to facilitate nursing journal clubs: a mixed-methods study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this mixed-methods pilot study was to explore the feasibility of using Second Life to conduct research and to describe nurses' experiences in using Second Life to facilitate nursing journal clubs.
  
  
  METHODS
  A QUAN→qual sequential design using survey and qualitative methods was used to guide scientific inquiry. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and t, Mann-Whitney U, and χ tests were used to test for presurvey and postsurvey group differences. Journal club screencast recordings were thematically analyzed.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study was conducted in an Internet-accessible, 3-dimensional multiuser virtual environment.
  
  
  METHODS
  A convenience sample of registered nurses from 7 facilities consented to participate. Completed data from 29 presurveys and 20 postsurveys were included in data analyses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, nurses reported a benefit in using Second Life to facilitate journal clubs. The Mann-Whitney U test identified (P < .05) improvement in 7 of 8 critical appraisal competencies after journal club activities: determining design, determining population, interpreting statistics, linking findings/conclusions, identifying limitations, identifying implications, and interpreting qualitative findings. Qualitative analyses of screencastings validated reports of improved critical appraisal competencies and identified 3 inworld themes: presence, learning strategies, and learning outcomes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Registered nurse study participants reported a benefit of using Second Life for nursing journal clubs. Participants perceived and demonstrated improvement in critical appraisal competencies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Further research is warranted on outcomes associated with nurses' appraisal of evidence for application to practice using a multiuser virtual environment.
authors.affiliation: Southeastern Louisiana University Graduate School of Nursing, Hammond, Louisiana 70402, USA. luanne.billingsley@selu.edu
authors.forename: Luanne
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Billingsley
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Rice
authors.forename: Marsha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bennett
authors.forename: Shelley
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Thibeau
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D055318:Evidence-Based Nursing; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008875:Middle Aged; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000379:methods*; D010506:Periodicals as Topic; D010865:Pilot Projects; D036301:Qualitative Research; D020377:Self Efficacy; D014584:User-Computer Interface