What inquisitive minds want to know
The staff of the MICU took creativity into their own hands and came up with a unique way to further educate themselves.
Now implemented is Journal Club—monthly educational forums at which staff discuss research-based best practices included in professional journals.
Journal Club has been taking place in the MICU since February 2002 and is well received by various clinical staff. Attendance is not limited to nurses; respiratory therapists and pharmacists have also taken part in the meetings when pertinent topics arise. The forums are facilitated by Carol Daddio-Pierce, RN, clinical educator role for the Medical Intensive Care Unit.
“MICU nurses are experts in critical care,” said Pierce. “As such, they were interested in a different type of education to meet their professional needs. Looking at research from an evidence-based, best practice viewpoint just made sense in terms of helping these nurses assess their own work.”
Larry Sonna, MD, PhD, a physician in the Pulmonary Division, worked with Pierce to create a monthly Journal Club. Prior to each meeting, articles on the selected topic are posted in the break room. Nurses are encouraged to read through the articles beforehand and prepare any questions they may have for the presenter.
“We have covered a variety of topics,” said Pierce. “Sedation, sepsis, and end of life, among others.”
During a lunch forum, the presenter leads the nurses in reviewing the study, taking all facets of it into consideration to include sample size, research outcomes and clinical implications.
“We’ve had great success in adapting some of the information into our every day work,” said Pierce. “For example, after a Journal Club regarding intensive insulin therapy, we introduced the Portland Protocol into the MICU, as our patients have very complex medical needs, the management of hypoglycemia being one of them.”
Journal Club has been taking place in the MICU since February 2002. Attendance is not limited to nurses; respiratory therapists and pharmacists have also taken part in the meetings when pertinent topics arise.
“The MICU staff overall has been very responsive, and MICU Nurse Manager Maureen Curley, RN, and Pulmonary Division Director Craig Lilly, MD have been extremely supportive,” said Pierce. “I think the nurses really benefit from and enjoy Journal Club. It challenges them not only to learn new information but also to adapt that information into their work environment.”
Of note, Journal Club currently takes place in the Neuro Intensive Care Unit as well.
Nurses in charge and nurse managers who are interested in beginning Journal Clubs in their respective areas can email Carol Daddio-Pierce for more specifics on the MICU’s model (cpierce@partners.org).