A Longitudinal Study of Journal Club to Enhance Physical Therapy Students’ Research Appraisal Skill for Evidence-Based Practice A Mixed-Methods Study

Evidence-based practice (EBP) requires that clinicians possess skills in appraisal of evidence. Journal club (JC) is demonstrated to increase EBP skills in medicine, nursing, and occupational therapy. Study in physical therapy remains elusive. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of JC on appraisal skills in student physical therapists (SPTs) and explore factors enhancing or hindering the utility of JC. One hundred fifteen SPTs from three cohorts participated in this mixed-methods study. In the first year, participants completed a survey assessing self-reported confidence level on EBP skills before and after attending multiple JCs. Cohorts I and II continued participation in the second year. Additionally, 36 participants attended focus-group interviews after completing 2 years of JC. All cohorts’ confidence level increased. Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed a significant increase (p < 0.001) for cohort III. Remaining cohorts’ confidence continuously increased in the subsequent year. Thematic analysis revealed themes on benefits and barriers of JC, strategies for improvements, and connection of JC to clinical practice. The findings indicate that integration of JC promotes SPTs’ confidence in EBP skills and connects with practice. Utilizing JC as a pedagogical strategy impacts curricular design and strengthens future health professionals’ EBP skills pivotal for delivering quality healthcare.