Making it real: A hands-on approach to teaching research

Aim: The purpose of this paper was to report on the delivery of a series of seminars in Sarawak, East Malaysia using a unique hands-on approach to the teaching of skills in research and evidence-based health care. These seminars proved to be a meaningful and memorable experience for both the facilitators and participants. Background: The international push for the delivery of evidence-based health care has resulted in a growing need for the teaching of skills in the conduct and application of research. Nurses and other health-care professionals recognize that they have a responsibility to contribute to and maintain an evidence base for practice, yet are often stymied by a lack of professional development opportunities. Conclusion: The knowledge necessary to understand research, along with skills in the conduct of research, can be made accessible to health-care professionals in diverse locations. The experience reported in this paper demonstrates that opportunities exist to provide education about research and evidence-based practice in an engaging, active and meaningful way.