title: A systematic review of the literature to support an evidence-based precepting program.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide a systematic review of the literature regarding development of an evidence-based Precepting Program for nurses transitioning to burn specialty practice.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Burned patients are admitted to specialty Burn Centers where highly complex nursing care is provided. Successful orientation and integration into such a specialized work environment is a fundamental component of a nurse's ability to provide safe and holistic patient care.
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic review of the literature was performed for the period 1995-2011 using electronic databases within PUBMED and Ovid search engines.
  
  
  METHODS
  Databases included Medline, CINHAL, ProQuest for Dissertations and Thesis, and Cochran Collaboration using key search terms: preceptor, preceptee, preceptorship, precept*, nurs*, critical care, personality types, competency-based education, and learning styles.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nurses graded the level and quality of evidence of the included articles using a modified 7-level rating system and the Johns Hopkins Nursing Quality of Evidence Appraisal during journal-club meetings.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 43 articles related to competency (n=8), knowledge acquisition and personality characteristics (n=8), learning style (n=5), preceptor development (n=7), and Precepting Programs (n=14).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A significant clinical gap existed between the scientific evidence and actual precepting practice of experienced nurses at the Burn Center. Based on this extensive review of the literature, it was determined that a sufficient evidence base existed for development of an evidence-based Precepting Program.
authors: US Army Institute of Surgical Research, Army Burn Center, San Antonio, TX, United States. Electronic address: Elizabeth.A.Mannsalinas.mil@mail.mil.
authors: Elizabeth
authors: E
authors: Mann-Salinas
authors: US Army Institute of Surgical Research, Army Burn Center, San Antonio, TX, United States.
authors: Elizabeth
authors: E
authors: Hayes
authors: US Army Institute of Surgical Research, Army Burn Center, San Antonio, TX, United States.
authors: Johnnie
authors: J
authors: Robbins
authors: Army Medical Department Center and School, San Antonio, TX, United States.
authors: Jean
authors: J
authors: Sabido
authors: Brooke Army Medical Center, TX, United States.
authors: Laura
authors: L
authors: Feider
authors: Brooke Army Medical Center, TX, United States.
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Allen
authors: University of Texas, School of Nursing, Austin, TX, United States.
authors: Linda
authors: L
authors: Yoder
mesh_terms: D002053:Burn Units; D002056:Burns / Q000451:nursing*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D006801:Humans; D011231:Preceptorship / Q000379:methods*
keywords: Evidence-based practice; Literature review; Nursing; Precepting; Role transition