Building a foundation for utilizing evidence based practice in conjunction with research in baccalaureate nursing program

Abstract

Less is known about the undergraduate nursing students’ ability to conduct beginning research. This study aims to explore and describe nursing students' experiences in planning and implementation of community health fairs; and utilizing evidence based practice integrated with research as a learning outcome. The study using a quantitative and descriptive design was conducted by senior nursing students during diverse community health events as a part of Gerontological nursing clinical. The students utilized three fall assessment tools: Balance and Gait test, Timed Up and Go test, and 10-year Fracture Risk Calculation. A total of 74 students participated in seven community health fair events focused on Fall Prevention. This health fair event was in conjunction with the National Fall Prevention Awareness week. A total of 201 older adults were served during the event by nursing students who provided screening process and related health education. Data were gathered and a group of students volunteered to complete the research process. The students participated in oral presentation in the Annual University Research Student Symposium and had poster presentation in the professional academic conference. Early systematic organized planning of the clinical experience gives students opportunity to integrate evidence based practice into research. Application of varied evidence based assessment tools focused on older adults enables students to understand the health issue in depth and the need for additional services. Health fair experiences improve students’ communication and education skills, reality of health issues of the target population in a community, and evidence based research.