The evolution of the journal club: using a peer-learning approach to increase research confidence

Abstract

Advanced clinical practice is underpinned by four pillars: clinical, leadership, education and research. The research pillar is one of the least prominent, with many practitioners finding the area inaccessible and intimidating. To address these preconceptions of research, a peer-based online advanced clinical practice (ACP) journal club was created. Traditional, speciality-based journal clubs are limited in modern day healthcare settings; therefore, an online and accessible learning resource has been developed to engage more ACPs within research. Understanding the barriers before and during the development of the journal club has led to effective innovation with greater audience engagement, the details of which are ready to be shared regionally, nationally and to other professions.