The effect of Problem-Based Learning on Care Management skills: A quasi-experimental study

OBJECTIVE

to assess the preliminary effect of Problem-Based Learning on Care Management skills.

METHOD

a quasi-experimental pre- and post-test conducted with students attending the Bachelor's Degree in Nursing offered by an educational institution. The sample was comprised by 29 (Experimental Group) and 74 (Control Group) students. The Experimental Group solved four scenarios under the Problem-Based Learning method with the 7 steps proposed by McMaster University, in a Care Management program in distance mode. The self-reporting instrument assessed the pre- and post-test Care Management skills in both groups. Mean values were obtained and descriptive and inferential statistics were performed (Student's t, paired t, linear regression).

RESULTS

the Experimental Group obtained higher scores in analytical, action-related and global skills than the Control Group (p<0.05). No differences were recorded in interpersonal skills or in use of the information. The Control presented no significant differences before and after usual teaching, whereas differences were in fact reported in the Experimental Group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

despite the fact that there is little evidence on the development of Nursing Care Management skills, the current study shows that Problem-Based Learning is an effective and significant method in remote education.

Web-based experiential learning strategies to enhance the evidence-based-practice competence of undergraduate nursing students

BACKGROUND

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is considered a key competence for practicing high-quality and safe nursing. However, undergraduate nursing programs continue to provide traditional classroom teaching strategies that have limitations in facilitating the development of critical competences for engaging in EBP in real clinical contexts.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN

The purpose of this study was to develop a web-based experiential learning program aimed at improving the engagement and experience of nursing students in EBP. A quasi-experimental research with non-equivalent control-group with non-synchronized design was used to describe the process of program development and the innovative learning method, and discuss the outcomes of the program.

METHODS

The experimental group was exposed to a web-based experiential learning program, while the control group received traditional learning with written material. Self-reported EBP scores (knowledge and skills, attitude, and practice) and clinical-questioning confidence were evaluated to assess the effects of the program.

RESULTS

The result showed that web-based experiential learning strategies were effective in significantly improving the EBP knowledge and skills score (F = 12.29, p = .001) and the score for confidence in asking clinical questions (F = 12.14, p = .001). The attitudes toward EBP (F = 0.75, p = .389) and practice score (F = 3.22, p = .076) did not show a significant difference between the experimental group and the control group.

CONCLUSION

The web-based experiential learning was found to be an effective method for enhancing the EBP competence of nursing students. Based on the study results, we suggest using web-based experiential learning to supplement the traditional learning method or as the mainstream learning method for nursing students.