Abstract
As a large system increased efforts to cultivate a culture of evidence-based practice (EBP), the EBP team recognized an opportunity for growth and improved effectiveness in its educational offerings. The goal was to create an engaging, comprehensive EBP course which encouraged active learning and real-time application.
A virtual learning environment was chosen as the primary setting to increase equitable access despite the large geographical reach of the system. Virtual settings traditionally present challenges, including poor participant engagement, higher levels of distraction, and limited small-group coaching opportunity compared to traditional in-person settings.
While virtual courses are not novel, the team integrated innovative strategies to elevate the learning experience. Liberating Structures (LS) were incorporated to foster individual thinking, collaboration, and engaging with the content in a creative way. The other strategy utilized a storyboard structure with main points posted to the chat rather than predominate use of PowerPoint presentations. This style encourages discussion and zeroes in on the most important information.
Positives of the course include an increased and equitable opportunity for EBP education across a large healthcare system without an increase in cost due to travel or coordinating logistics. Additional benefits come from the course structure and include an enhanced and collaborative environment where rich discussion and learning can occur. Participants who buy into engaging in the course report feeling inspired, ready to continue their EBP journey, and eager to share with colleagues.
One challenge is the resistance of some learners to a new learning style and structure. Recognizing the new environment may be unfamiliar and uncomfortable, facilitators begin the course by highlighting how it is structured and why. Other challenges include technical difficulties and consistent marketing in all areas.
The purpose of the team’s efforts was to create an engaging, collaborative workshop to effectively educate on the EBP process. Using LS and a mixed methods teaching style, participants are placed in the driver’s seat of their learning experience. The style and techniques are a shift for many so adequately preparing learners what to expect and the why of it is essential as is patience as participants learn to adapt.
Notes
References:
1. Dang, D., Dearholt, S.L., Bissett, K., Ascenzi, J., & Whalen, M. (2022). Johns Hopkins evidence-based practice for nurses and healthcare professionals. Sigma Theta Tau.
2. Liberating structures: Including and unleashing everyone. (n.d.). Retrieved September 4, 2024, from https://www.liberatingstructures.com/
3. Mallette, C. & Rykert, L. (2018). Promoting positive culture change in nursing faculties: Getting to maybe through liberating structures. Journal of Professional Nursing, 34, 161-166. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2017.08.001
4. Moore, F. & Tierney, S. (2019). What and how … but where does the why fit in? The disconnection between practice and research evidence from the perspective of UK nurses involved in a qualitative study. Nurse Education in Practice, 34, 90-96. https://doi.org/10/1016.j.nepr.2018.11.008
5. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2021). The future of nursing 2020-2030: Charting a path to achieve health equity. https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/25982/chapter/1
Sigma Membership
Iota Iota
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Teaching and Learning Strategies, Virtual Learning, Continuing Education, Evidence-based Practice, EBP
Recommended Citation
Corless, Elizabeth and Roberts, Janine S., "Fostering Collaboration & Engagement in Virtual EBP Workshops: Strategies for Success" (2025). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 35.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2025/presentations_2025/35
Conference Name
36th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Seattle, Washington, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Fostering Collaboration & Engagement in Virtual EBP Workshops: Strategies for Success
Seattle, Washington, USA
As a large system increased efforts to cultivate a culture of evidence-based practice (EBP), the EBP team recognized an opportunity for growth and improved effectiveness in its educational offerings. The goal was to create an engaging, comprehensive EBP course which encouraged active learning and real-time application.
A virtual learning environment was chosen as the primary setting to increase equitable access despite the large geographical reach of the system. Virtual settings traditionally present challenges, including poor participant engagement, higher levels of distraction, and limited small-group coaching opportunity compared to traditional in-person settings.
While virtual courses are not novel, the team integrated innovative strategies to elevate the learning experience. Liberating Structures (LS) were incorporated to foster individual thinking, collaboration, and engaging with the content in a creative way. The other strategy utilized a storyboard structure with main points posted to the chat rather than predominate use of PowerPoint presentations. This style encourages discussion and zeroes in on the most important information.
Positives of the course include an increased and equitable opportunity for EBP education across a large healthcare system without an increase in cost due to travel or coordinating logistics. Additional benefits come from the course structure and include an enhanced and collaborative environment where rich discussion and learning can occur. Participants who buy into engaging in the course report feeling inspired, ready to continue their EBP journey, and eager to share with colleagues.
One challenge is the resistance of some learners to a new learning style and structure. Recognizing the new environment may be unfamiliar and uncomfortable, facilitators begin the course by highlighting how it is structured and why. Other challenges include technical difficulties and consistent marketing in all areas.
The purpose of the team’s efforts was to create an engaging, collaborative workshop to effectively educate on the EBP process. Using LS and a mixed methods teaching style, participants are placed in the driver’s seat of their learning experience. The style and techniques are a shift for many so adequately preparing learners what to expect and the why of it is essential as is patience as participants learn to adapt.
Description
To grow its EBP educational offerings, an organizational team built a virtual course incorporating Liberating Structures and a mixed methods teaching style. Benefits of the course come from the structure and style and include an enhanced and collaborative environment promoting rich discussion and learning. In using newer styles of teaching, participants are placed in the driver’s seat of their learning experience.