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Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open Access
Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open
Journal article
Evaluation of an evidence-based practice continuing education course for Canadian Naturopathic Doctors
PloS one, Vol.20(6), pp.1-17
03/06/2025
PMID: 40460335
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Abstract
Background: Evidence-based practice (EBP) combines the best available evidence with clinician expertise and patient preference to improve patient outcomes. Recent evidence indicates that Canadian Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) are interested in EBP skill development. The primary objective of the present study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a co-designed EBP Continuing Education (CE) course for Canadian NDs. Secondary objectives included assessing changes in EBP skill, use, attitudes, and knowledge.
Methods: The CE course was evaluated using a pre-post design involving licensed Canadian NDs. The CE course consisted of five weekly, one-hour sessions that were delivered virtually. On course completion, participants reported on their level of satisfaction and provided suggestions for improvement. EBP skill, attitudes and use were assessed using the validated Evidence-Based Practice Attitudes and Utilization Survey. EBP knowledge was objectively assessed using a quiz. Changes in EBP skill, attitudes, use and knowledge were compared between baseline and the end of the course. Use of evidence was reassessed at a 2-month follow up.
Results: Sixty-one NDs met eligibility criteria. Eighty-nine percent of participants agreed or strongly agreed that they were satisfied with the course. There was a significant increase in self-reported skill and objectively measured EBP knowledge, but no substantive change in EBP attitudes or use of evidence over time. Some participants indicated the level of difficulty was too high while others reported that it could have been more difficult. Participants also wanted more opportunities to practice the skills being taught in the course.
Conclusions: Delivery of the co-designed EBP CE course was found to be both feasible and acceptable. Preliminary evidence suggests that participation in the course was associated with improvements in EBP knowledge and skill. Participants provided actionable suggestions to improve the course in future iterations.
Details
- Title
- Evaluation of an evidence-based practice continuing education course for Canadian Naturopathic Doctors
- Creators
- Monique Aucoin - Canadian College of Naturopathic MedicineGenevieve Newton - UOGMatthew Leach - Southern Cross UniversityKieran Cooley - Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
- Publication Details
- PloS one, Vol.20(6), pp.1-17
- Publisher
- Public Library of Science
- Grant note
- Canadian CAM Research Fund
Acknowledgments: The authors wish to acknowledge contributions from Dr. William Bettger (analysis feedback), Rebecca Lester (graphic design assistance), and Emma Di Paolo (data management). Course delivery was facilitated with support from members of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine Continuing Education Department, particularly Dr. Sasha Tahiliani, ND.
- Identifiers
- 991013286148502368
- Copyright
- © 2025 Aucoin et al.
- Academic Unit
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article