LAUSR

Abstract Objective Registered nurses must remain current with evidence-based practice knowledge to meet job demands in an evolving health care climate. This pilot study's purpose was to investigate a virtual journal club's effect on satisfaction, knowledge, and practice. Background On-line learning is used to convey information while meeting diverse learner needs, and journal clubs are used to disseminate and discuss evidence-based practice knowledge. Combining the 2 concepts into a virtual journal club creates an opportunity to meet learner needs while discussing information that promotes evidence-based practice knowledge and implementation. Setting/Population Sixteen critical care nurses from one midwestern teaching hospital's intensive care unit. Methodology Researchers used the Kirkpatrick Learning Evaluation Model in a 4-week-long, mixed methods pilot study. Researchers presented 1 article about sepsis in an on-line discussion forum. Nurses took a pretest before participation and a Likert-type satisfaction survey and posttest after participation. Two weeks following journal club participation, researchers sent participants e-mails asking if/how nurses applied knowledge to practice. Researchers analyzed pre−/posttest results using McNemar's Test. Results Sixteen nurses actively participated. Ten nurses took satisfaction surveys, choosing mostly 4 s ( agree ) and 5 s ( strongly agree ), reflecting statistically significant satisfaction. Sixteen nurses took pre- and posttests and demonstrated improvement in knowledge; however, only answers to 2 questions demonstrated statistically significant improvement. Eight nurses responded to the evaluation surveys with comments surrounding increased confidence in caring for septic patients and increased awareness of symptomology, testing, and treatments. Two nurses noted that their practice was not impacted by participation. Practice Implications Choose relevant articles and make hard copies of the article available for easy access. The virtual journal club discussion forum should promote ease of use and be moderated by someone well positioned to participate frequently and knowledgably. In addition, consider offering continuing education credits to encourage participation.