Establishing a course in how to facilitate journal clubs: Opportunities and barriers

Aim To discuss the potentials and barriers of establishing a course in facilitating journal clubs among non-medical health professionals (NMHP).
Background NMHPs and managers had a wish to offer journal clubs. To accomplish this, there was a need of enhancing competences among NMHPs with developmental responsibility, both by education and practice in order to establish journal club in their own department.
Methods A journal club facilitation course was offered to hospital employed NMHPs. Participants were asked to fill out questionnaires prior to, at midterm, 4 months, and 18 months after, course participation. At the 18-month follow-up, their managers were asked to fill out questionnaires. Results are discussed in an analytic framework inspired from research on conducting journal clubs and learning transfer.
Findings After 18 months, only three journal clubs were established. Participants and managers mentioned barriers such as time, resources and interest from colleagues. Participants also disputed the management approval. Among the three established journal clubs, the participants stated good management approval, but also a challenge in establishing, preparing and conducting journal clubs.
Conclusion Facilitation journal club courses have the potential to increase knowledge and skills. To secure implementation, further transfer strategies need to be considered as part of the course.