Magnitude of change in outcomes following entry-level evidence-based practice training: a systematic review

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this systematic review was to deter- mine the magnitude of change (effect size) in outcomes (knowledge, attitudes, behaviours, skills and confidence) following evidence-based practice training in entry-level health professional students. Methods: Six electronic databases were searched for prima- ry studies that investigated the effectiveness of evidence- based practice intervention(s) and reported on, or included data, to allow the calculation of effect size. Data were extracted regarding the effect size, or enabling calculation of effect size (mean, standard deviation, standard error, sample size). Results: Eight studies were found that met the inclusion criteria. Effect sizes for evidence-based practice knowledge and skills ranged from small (0.33) to huge (5.42). Four studies exploring attitudes found negligible (0.075) to medium (0.57) effect sizes. These studies assessing behav- iours showed effect sizes ranging from negligible (0.031) to very large (1.34). Very large (0.89) and huge (3.03) effect sizes were reported for confidence with evidence-based practice. Conclusions: Few studies reported the effect size for outcomes and many did not report sufficient data to enable calculation of effect size. Considerable and varied improvements were found in students’ evidence-based practice knowledge, skills and confidence after training.