The use of bedside case-based learning in the clinical practice of midwifery education in China

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the impact of bedside case-based learning on critical thinking and capacity for self-directed learning in a group of midwifery students in China.

Background: Bedside teaching is a well-established educational tool to improve the clinical practice of medical, nursing, and midwifery students. A new pedagogical approach; bedside case-based learning (BCBL) is an interactive teaching approach involving small-group, student-educator discussion to describe the etiology and management of a patient case. This new approach has been gradually integrated into Chinese midwifery education programs to promote clinical problem-solving skills, knowledge application, teamwork, and collaboration.

Design: A quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test group design.

Methods: This study used a quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test group design. A convenience sample of 67 third-year students majoring in midwifery at the university were prospectively enrolled in this study. Pre- and post-BCBL class surveys were conducted using the Self-Rating Scale of Self-Directed Learning (SRSSDL) and the Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory-Chinese Version (CTDI-CV) to assess changes in self-learning and critical thinking abilities before and after the intervention.

Results: Following bedside case-based learning, the total scores for self-directed learning capacity and critical thinking increased, although there were no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05).

Conclusions: Although there were no statistically significant differences between pre- and post-test results, students' self-assessed scores in self-directed learning and critical thinking improved between pre- and post-test.