Transforming EBP Workshops: Transitioning from In-Person to Online Using MS Teams

Background: This poster describes the transformation of an in-person evidence-based practice (EBP) workshop series to an online format using MS Teams. Due to the ongoing pandemic, it became necessary to transform “Mitigating the Madness,” a three-part series of hands-on workshops (#1: Clinical Inquiry, #2: Project Development, and #3: Project Dissemination) incorporating didactic presentations, roundtable discussions, literature searching, and writing, to a format that would be virtually accessible. These workshops involve the interprofessional partnership of medical librarians, clinical nursing leaders, and nursing faculty.

Description: When faced with the inability to meet in person due to the pandemic, the Mitigating the Madness Planning Committee quickly pivoted to develop a user-friendly workshop using an online platform. They investigated several options for implementation and decided to use MS Teams due to its accessibility and functionality. Simultaneous work to develop and implement the transformation centered in two areas. Clinical nurse educators and the medical librarian developed content for resource files, recorded presentations, and organized coaching assignments for asynchronous learning. Within MS Teams, the medical librarian and nurse researcher created the workshop virtual site and loaded content for access by participants and coaches. Across the workshops, 17 recorded presentations and 14 coaching assignments were created. Upon completion of a workshop module, a 2-hour virtual, touchpoint session was held where all participants and coaches were present.

Conclusion: Since transitioning to the online format, we have held four workshops with an average attendance of 10-12 people including participants and coaches. During the touchpoint session, participants and coaches were able to share experiences and give feedback for improving the process. Robust discussions centered around PICO question formulation, database searching, literature appraisal, and project design. Feedback from participants has been positive with minimal challenges indicated. Issues included lack of familiarity with Teams, following instructions, and timeliness of completing assignments.  Coaches continue to explore methods to promote participant engagement through the online platform. The transition from in-person EBP workshops to online using MS Teams has been well received by participants, coaches, and presenters.