The COVID-19 pandemic has forced educational institutions to rethink their approaches, especially in fields requiring hands-on experience like nursing. A recent study titled "Undergraduate nursing students' learning experiences of a telehealth clinical practice program during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study" sheds light on how telehealth can be effectively integrated into nursing education.
This blog will explore the key outcomes of this research and how practitioners can implement these findings to enhance their skills and improve student learning experiences.
Key Findings from the Study
The study identified four main thematic categories from the students' learning experiences:
- Recognition of Continued Self-Improvement: Students recognized the need for ongoing self-improvement and developed a sense of ethics.
- Improvement of Knowledge and Practical Skills: The program helped students improve their knowledge and practical skills in chronic care nursing.
- Acquisition of Telehealth Skills: Students acquired essential telehealth skills, which are becoming increasingly important in modern healthcare.
- Learning Through Modeling and Teamwork: The program improved students' self-efficacy through teamwork and learning by example.
How Practitioners Can Implement These Findings
Practitioners can leverage these insights to improve their own skills and better support their students:
- Encourage Continuous Learning: Create opportunities for students to reflect on their practice and identify areas for self-improvement.
- Enhance Practical Skills: Incorporate more telehealth scenarios into the curriculum to help students develop practical skills in a controlled environment.
- Focus on Telehealth Training: Provide specialized training sessions on telehealth technologies and best practices.
- Promote Teamwork: Facilitate group activities and role-playing exercises to enhance teamwork and communication skills.
Future Directions
The study suggests that combining telehealth with face-to-face training and multidisciplinary education can further enhance learning outcomes. Practitioners should consider these approaches to create a more holistic educational experience.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Undergraduate nursing students' learning experiences of a telehealth clinical practice program during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study.
