Companion Document to the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education: Nursing DRAFT

Searching for information is often nonlinear and iterative. Nurses evaluate a range of information sources and use mental flexibility to pursue alternate avenues as new understanding develops.

Narrative

Nurses often begin the act of searching for information with a question that directs the process. Encompassing inquiry, discovery, and serendipity, searching identifies possible relevant sources as well as the means to access those sources. Nurses realize that searching for information is a contextualized, complex experience that affects, and is affected by the cognitive, affective, and social dimensions of the searcher, as well as the nature of the question. As nurses and healthcare professionals are required to apply the best evidence to patient care and healthcare, developing a skill set for successful searching is increasingly important. Nurses must also consider the consequences of not searching for the best evidence. Commitment to finding valid, reliable evidence is the foundation for developing the skills that foster a sound search strategy, which in turn, enables the discovery of the best available evidence. In this evolving landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming widely used in healthcare. Nurses should be aware of AI's current applications in patient care and remain vigilant about potential biases in AI-generated data.

Entry-level nurses may search a limited set of resources and use basic search strategies, relying on sources that are generally accepted as authoritative. They are developing the skills of determining the initial scope of their information need, using appropriate search tools and search language, refining search strategies based on search results and changing needs, and seeking guidance from experts such as librarians and experienced researchers when needed.

Advanced-level nurses may search more broadly and deeply to determine the most appropriate information within the project scope. They are more familiar with various kinds of resources and employ multifaceted strategies depending on the sources, scope, and context of the information need. They understand that using different search vocabulary may yield different results, such as comparing the results of subject headings and keywords. Advanced level nurses understand the importance of searching iteratively in their quest for relevant health information sources, which includes being able to select from appropriate databases and resources; to design and refine needs and search strategies based on search results using key terms, subject headings, and limiters; and successfully navigating databases and other information resources. These steps are necessary to identify what information is missing or to challenge biases and barriers that impact population health outcomes.

Competencies

Nurses developing their IL abilities can:

• Recognize that a well-defined question is the basis for a successful search. [Remembering]
• Use divergent thinking to explore a wide range of sources and ideas, and convergent thinking to narrow down and focus on the most relevant information from background to foreground research. [Remembering]
• Convert research questions into key terms and synonyms. [Understanding]
• Understand the limitations of a Google Scholar search versus a search in a research database such as CINAHL or PubMed. [Understanding]

• Compare and contrast specialized search strategies using basic and advanced search tools to locate and navigate sources relevant to nursing and healthcare. [Understanding]
• Interpret information sources based on content and format and explain varying relevance and value depending on the needs and nature of the search. [Applying]
• Analyze various types of sources and across multiple databases to avoid bias in search results. [Analyzing]
• Recognize the value of browsing and other serendipitous methods of information gathering. [Analyzing]
• Persist in the face of search challenges and assess initial sources to locate additional sources by tracing citations in scholarly literature, following links in standards or grey literature. [Evaluating]
• Develop a search strategy that uses different search tools and leverages the specific parameters and features of each tool. [Creating]

Evidence of the Frame in Action

• An undergraduate nursing research assistant working on a quality improvement project looks for standards and review articles to show current best practices, demonstrating the importance of well-defined questions and strategic searching.
• A DNP nursing student working on a case study assignment about a patient with heart failure searches background resources to describe what is happening and checks the latest research to provide a home care plan, showcasing the application of search strategies to practical problems.
• An ER nurse administrator searches online education journals, social media, nursing association webpages, and other sources for information to create implicit bias training in their clinical area, illustrating the use of diverse sources and strategies.
• A Ph.D. nursing student brainstorms key terms and vocabulary around cultural competency to promote cultural humility in hospital care setting then drafts the search strategy for a scoping review, exemplifying the process of converting questions into search terms.

• A nursing faculty member uses census data and social media to gather public perspectives and demographics to identify possible factors affecting vaccination rates locally, demonstrating the analysis of multiple data sources.
• A clinical nurse specialist searches for quality consumer health materials for a safe sleep program, highlighting the importance of evaluating sources based on content and relevance.
• A nurse creates alerts for clinical guidelines relevant to their specialty area to ensure they use the latest national patient safety resources, initiatives, and regulations at the point of care, showcasing persistence and evaluation in searching.
• A nurse manager partners with a librarian to scan nursing journals and nursing association websites for discussions around justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion to address current inequities in healthcare, illustrating the construction of a search strategy and the use of expert guidance.