Effectiveness of Problem Based Learning Strategy for Obstetric and Gynaecological Nursing on Clinical Reasoning among Nursing Students

Abstract

Abstract newlineIntroduction: Nurses need to improve their nursing competency in the increasingly complex practice environment which necessitates right clinical judgment based on critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills. Newly qualified nurses lack the high levels of cognitive proficiency demanded by the health care environment. The present study was taken up to determine the effectiveness of problem-based learning strategy for OBG Nursing on enhancing clinical reasoning (clinical reasoning skills and academic achievement) of nursing students. Materials and methods: A quasi experimental, non-randomized two group post -test only design was adopted. Two consecutive batches of nursing students were assigned in the control (70 participants) and experimental (67 participants) group; the control group underwent routine lecture -based education and experimental group underwent PBL. Data on demographic variables, clinical reasoning skill and academic achievement were collected from both the groups. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The findings showed a statistically significant difference in mean clinical reasoning skill score (experimental group mean 35.03±3.51; control group mean 31.13±3.77; t -6.263; plt .001). There was no significant difference in academic achievement of nursing students in the control and experimental group. The findings also revealed a positive correlation between clinical reasoning skills and exam result in OBG nursing (r= 0.211; p=.013). Conclusion: PBL strategy for obstetric and gynaecological nursing was found effective on clinical reasoning skills of undergraduate nursing students. At the same time, PBL did not have influence on the academic achievement of the students. newline