Undergraduate mental health nursing students’ reflections in gaining understanding and skills in the critical appraisal of research papers – An exploration of barriers and enablers

To explore a cohort of mental health nurses’ views and experiences in developing applying critical appraisal research skills to identify helping hindering factors. In accordance with evidence-based practice principles, there is an expectation that student (mental health) nurses will become competent understanding make judgements about its trustworthiness applicability the clinical setting. This process termed ‘critical research’ it deemed important healthcare professionals because facilitates use evidence from underpin practice. The study incorporated qualitative secondary using thematic analysis poststructural lens. Following undertaking module including tuition on research, submitted essay reflections focusing were thematically analysed. included both deductive inductive components adjunct poststructuralist influencing factors language, meaning subjectivity. identified are pedagogical wider societal considerations experiences. Psychological emotional factors, incorporating anxiety as key barrier engagement which has not previously been comparable research. Enablers application peer learning, accessing academic supervision, gaining satisfaction personal learning self-directed library support. findings indicate specific pedagogic can be applied when supporting It recommended these universally for nursing students considered other populations students.