Nursing journal clubs: A literature review on the effective teaching strategy for continuing education and evidence-based practice.

BACKGROUND This literature review on nursing journal clubs evaluates the efficacy of the teaching strategy within the clinical setting. METHOD Peer-reviewed articles were retrieved using an online journal database. Inclusion criteria incorporated information on efficacy of the teaching strategy, evidence-based practices, and continuing education as they related to nursing journal club initiatives. RESULTS The literature cited numerous benefits and proved to be in favor of nursing journal clubs. The most common benefits found were nurses remaining abreast of current research, skill development in reading and critically appraising research, and incorporation of evidenice-based practices to patient care. Due to the self-motivated and voluntary nature of this teaching strategy, a limitation commonly identified was lack of participation, and further research on this limitation often was suggested. CONCLUSION Nursing journal clubs proved to be an effective teaching strategy; a finding that remains consistent with the medical pioneers of the movement.