Abstract
Aim: The aims of this study were to determine the self-efficacy of speech pathology students in conducting evidence-based practice before and after a comprehensive evidence-based practice course, and the impact of timing of the course (Semester 1/2).
Method: Students attended a 13-week course in their final year of study. The evidence-based practice confidence scale (EPIC) was used to measure the students’ self-efficacy pre- and post-training.
Results: Ninety-two percent of students enrolled over six semesters participated. Students began the evidence-based practice course with high confidence in asking patients their preferences but low confidence in interpreting and analysing statistics. A significant improvement in confidence in all evidence-based practice areas was found, with greatest improvement occurring in the critical appraisal of research. Overall, the teaching had greatest effect on a group of skills for finding valid EBP information. There were significant differences between semester one and two students in only 18% of responses. Semester two students were more confident in half of these responses.
Conclusions: An evidence-based practice course made a significant difference to student self-efficacy across all aspects, with few differences related to timing of the course. Implications are discussed.
Health professionals must be confident implementing evidence-based practice throughout the course of their careers, as best practice changes over time.
A capstone unit of study/course for undergraduate speech pathology students significantly improved their self-efficacy in implementing evidence-based practice.
This has positive implications for evidence-based practice across a wide range of clinical settings including rehabilitation and disability as the graduate entry level students enter the workforce.
For on-going success, graduate entry level students must continue to implement evidence-based practice as clinicians if they are to maintain their confidence and further develop their skill set.
Implications for Rehabilitation
Disclosure statement
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.