Redesigning a Hospital’s Evidence-Based Practice Course

The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Value Institute, which falls under the hospital’s Quality Department, has contributed to evidence-based practice (EBP) culture through education, evidence synthesis services, and the development of clinical decision support tools. Three members of the Value Institute -- a librarian, Clinical Evidence-Based Analyst, and Senior Value Specialist -- have taught a variety of EBP courses to clinicians over the years. However, because of increasing course dropout rates, the Value Institute conducted focus groups to identify ways to redesign the course. Two focus groups consisted of 6-8 previous course participants each. The focus groups started with an introduction, challenge statement, and problem statement. Participants silently brainstormed answers to four questions then posted answers to wall-mounted paper. A group discussion followed.