title: Implementation of a blended learning approach to teaching evidence based practice: a protocol for a mixed methods study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Evidence based practice (EBP) requires that health professionals are competent in integrating the best evidence in their decision making. Being 'evidence-based' requires skills and knowledge in epidemiology, biostatistics and information literacy. EBP is commonly taught in medical and health sciences degrees, yet there is little evidence to guide educators as to the best teaching modality to increase learner competency in EBP.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study is mixed methods in design. A randomised controlled trial will examine the effectiveness of blended learning versus didactic approach of teaching EBP to medical students. The primary outcome of the RCT is EBP competency as assessed by the Berlin tool. Focus groups will be conducted to explore student perceptions and attitudes towards implementing a blended learning approach in teaching EBP. A concurrent triangulation design will be implemented, permitting quantitative data to inform the effectiveness of the intervention and qualitative data to contextualise the results.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study will provide novel evidence on the effectiveness of blended learning in teaching EBP to a cohort of undergraduate and graduate-entry medical students.
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology & Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. dragan.ilic@monash.edu.
authors.forename: Dragan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ilic
authors.forename: Rusli
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bin Nordin
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Glasziou
authors.forename: Julie K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Tilson
authors.forename: Elmer
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Villanueva
mesh_terms: D003479:Curriculum; D004521:Educational Measurement; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*