Exploration of self-regulatory behaviours of undergraduate nursing students learning to teach: A social cognitive perspective

The Outcome-Present State Test Model of Clinical Reasoning to Promote Critical Thinking in Psychiatric Nursing Practice among Nursing Students: A Mixed Research Study

This study determined whether teaching intervention using the outcome-present state test (OPT) clinical reasoning model can effectively improve critical thinking in nursing students during a psychiatry internship. In addition, it evaluates the experiences of the students using this model in clinical practice.

METHODS

In this interventional study, 19 students were taught critical thinking skills using the OPT clinical reasoning model during a psychiatry clinical practice. Work-learning forms were used in daily 1 h individual and group discussions with students. The critical thinking disposition scale was completed by every student before and after the intervention. Moreover, the students were asked to the complete reflection experience forms.

RESULTS

The average critical thinking disposition pre-intervention score was 95.21, whereas the average post-intervention score was 97.05, indicating an increase of 1.84. There was a significant increase in the fourth dimension of open-mindedness (z = -2.80, p < 0.01). The learning experience has been likened to a process of clearing the fog, and it involves the use of limited known conditions, thinking outside the box, and adaptation to complex care issues.

CONCLUSION

Using the OPT clinical reasoning model as a teaching strategy during a psychiatric nursing internship significantly improved the open-mindedness dimension among the students. The student reflective experience of talking to teachers as peers helped students identify clues and reframe problems related to clinical care. Additionally, the students reported that this led to more harmonious interactions with their teachers.

Peer mentoring programs for nursing students: A mixed methods systematic review

BACKGROUND

Peer mentoring in nursing is imperative to both mentors' and mentees' personal and professional development. Yet, there is a dearth of reviews appraising the relevant qualitative and quantitative studies reported in the literature.

OBJECTIVES

To synthesize the best evidence exploring the impacts of peer mentoring programs on nursing students.

DESIGN

A mixed-method systematic review.

DATA SOURCES

Published and unpublished literature written in English between January 2011 and May 2022 were identified from nine databases, including PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, and PsycINFO.

REVIEW METHODS

A systematic search strategy was applied in June 2021. Two reviewers independently screened and selected the eligible studies focusing on nursing students in higher education institutions who participated in peer mentoring programs. We included studies of quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods and explored the main outcomes of peer mentoring programs. Eligible studies were appraised independently using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklists. Two independent reviewers extracted relevant data using a standardized form. A meta-analysis, narrative synthesis, and meta-aggregation were then conducted, followed by a convergent segregated approach to integrate the findings.

RESULTS

Thirty-one studies were selected for analysis. We aggregated four sets of synthesized findings from fourteen categories. A meta-analysis of the data showed that the intervention group experienced significant improvement in stress levels. In addition, the integrated results revealed peer mentors, with the support of academia, served as rich resources and support for peer mentees.

CONCLUSION

This review highlights the importance of providing support to peer mentors to help them achieve the desired outcomes of peer mentoring while they cater to the needs of nursing student mentees.

Applications of social theories of learning in health professions education programs: A scoping review

Introduction

In health professions education (HPE), acknowledging and understanding the theories behind the learning process is important in optimizing learning environments, enhancing efficiency, and harmonizing the education system. Hence, it is argued that learning theories should influence educational curricula, interventions planning, implementation, and evaluation in health professions education programs (HPEPs). However, learning theories are not regularly and consistently implemented in educational practices, partly due to a paucity of specific in-context examples to help educators consider the relevance of the theories to their teaching setting. This scoping review attempts to provide an overview of the use of social theories of learning (SToLs) in HPEPs.

Method

A scoping search strategy was designed to identify the relevant articles using two key concepts: SToLs, and HPEPs. Four databases (PubMed, ERIC, ProQuest, and Cochrane) were searched for primary research studies published in English from 2011 to 2020. No study design restrictions were applied. Data analysis involved a descriptive qualitative and quantitative summary according to the SToL identified, context of use, and included discipline.

Results

Nine studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Only two SToLs were identified in this review: Bandura's social learning theory (n = 5) and Lave and Wenger's communities of practice (CoP) theory (n = 4). A total of five studies used SToLs in nursing programs, one in medicine, one in pharmacy, and two used SToLs in multi-disciplinary programs. SToLs were predominantly used in teaching and learning (n = 7), with the remaining focusing on assessment (n = 1) and curriculum design (n = 1).

Conclusions

This review illustrated the successful and effective use of SToLs in different HPEPs, which can be used as a guide for educators and researchers on the application of SToLs in other HPEPs. However, the limited number of HPEPs that apply and report the use of SToLs suggests a potential disconnect between SToLs and educational practices. Therefore, this review supports earlier calls for collaborative reform initiatives to enhance the optimal use of SToLs in HPEPs. Future research should focus on the applicability and usefulness of other theories of learning in HPEPs and on measuring implementation outcomes.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.researchregistry.com/browse-the-registry#registryofsystematicreviewsmetaanalyses/registryofsystematicreviewsmeta-analysesdetails/60070249970590001bd06f38/, identifier review registry1069.

Development of a Project-Based Learning Program on High-Risk Newborn Care for Nursing Students and Its Effects: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Project-based learning (PjBL) allows nursing students to participate in real problem-solving, construct knowledge, and improve their nursing skills in the process of accomplishing meaningful projects. This study was conducted to develop a PjBL program on high-risk newborn care for nursing students and evaluate its effects. A quasi-experimental study using a nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design was employed between June and December 2021. The participants were 45 nursing students (24 in the experimental group and 21 in the control group). A PjBL program involving the creation of an educational video clip about high-risk newborn care for nursing students was developed, and the experimental group took part in PjBL. The participants' nursing competency for high-risk newborns, self-leadership, and practicum-related stress were assessed. In the experimental group, nursing competency for high-risk newborns increased and practicum-related stress decreased to a greater extent than in the control group. However, the change in self-leadership was not significantly different between the experimental and control groups. PjBL effectively improved students' nursing competency for high-risk newborns and decreased their practicum-related stress. PjBL will be utilized to enhance nursing students' expertise in high-risk newborn care.