The effectiveness of web-based learning in supporting the development of nursing students' practical skills during clinical placements: A qualitative study

Michela Barisone; Annamaria Bagnasco; Giuseppe Aleo; Gianluca Catania; Massimo Bona; Stefano Gabriele Scaglia; Milko Zanini; Fiona Timmins; Loredana Sasso

doi:10.1016/j.nepr.2019.02.009

The effectiveness of web-based learning in supporting the development of nursing students' practical skills during clinical placements: A qualitative study

Nurse Educ Pract. 2019 May:37:56-61. doi: 10.1016/j.nepr.2019.02.009. Epub 2019 Feb 26.

Authors

Michela Barisone¹, Annamaria Bagnasco², Giuseppe Aleo³, Gianluca Catania⁴, Massimo Bona⁵, Stefano Gabriele Scaglia⁶, Milko Zanini⁷, Fiona Timmins⁸, Loredana Sasso⁹

Affiliations

¹ Department for Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Via Pastore 1, Genoa, 16132, Italy. Electronic address: [email protected].
² Department for Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Via Pastore 1, Genoa, 16132, Italy. Electronic address: [email protected].
³ Department for Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Via Pastore 1, Genoa, 16132, Italy. Electronic address: [email protected].
⁴ Department for Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Via Pastore 1, Genoa, 16132, Italy. Electronic address: [email protected].
⁵ Centre of Nursing Education in Pietra Ligure, University of Genoa, Via Pastore 1, Genoa, 16132, Italy. Electronic address: [email protected].
⁶ Department of Cardiology, Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Via A. Manzoni, 56, Rozzano, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy. Electronic address: [email protected].
⁷ Department for Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Via Pastore 1, Genoa, 16132, Italy. Electronic address: [email protected].
⁸ School of Nursing and MCdwifery, Trinity College Dublin, 24 D'Olier Street, Dublin 2, Ireland. Electronic address: [email protected].
⁹ Department for Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Via Pastore 1, Genoa, 16132, Italy. Electronic address: [email protected].

PMID: 31085383
DOI: 10.1016/j.nepr.2019.02.009

Abstract

Web-based learning, on its own or in combination with traditional teaching methods, has become a consolidated practice in many countries, and has been described as a valid and effective method that supports practical learning in undergraduate nursing students. The aim of this study was to explore the perception and effectiveness of web-based learning in facilitating the development of clinical skills in undergraduate nursing students. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted including online videos in three nursing schools of a university in Northern Italy. The participants were 26 undergraduate nursing students. A dedicated website was built including four videos and the respective checklists of four nursing techniques: insertion of a urinary catheter; insertion of a nasogastric tube; taking a blood sample; and the insertion of a peripheral intravenous line. Three Focus Groups were conducted, one for each nursing school. Thanks to its ease of use and unlimited access, web-based learning effectively supported students' clinical learning process by offering additional virtual visual support. Web-based learning could be effectively used to reduce the gap between theory and practice, and even as an upgrade for already qualified nurses.

Keywords: Clinical skills; Patient safety; Web-based learning; e-Learning.

MeSH terms

Adult
Clinical Competence*
Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate
Female
Focus Groups
Humans
Internet*
Italy
Learning*
Male
Nursing Education Research
Qualitative Research
Students, Nursing*
Videotape Recording / methods*
Young Adult