TDG – Outcome-based Education in a Course of Undergraduate Nursing Programme – Community and Public Health Nursing

Abstract

Background
The purpose of this project was to evaluate a Community and Public Health Nursing course for students undertaking their final year of study in an undergraduate nursing programme that incorporated an outcome-based education (OBE) at the course level.

Method
With the OBE approach, results of a set course assessment items were used to reflect student’s competence in conducting a community assessment and to generating a community health promotion plan (the primary course objective). Furthermore, pre-post tests of 10 MCQ were used to assess whether students achieved better content knowledge after the course. Generic learning skills in terms of critical thinking (CT), group process (GP), and self-directed learning (SDL) were measured before and after the course (n = 74). A focus group interview (n = 5) was also conducted at the end of semester to examine students’ experiences and perceptions of learning in the course with an OBE approach.

Findings
All students passed the set of assessment items but no significant difference of content knowledge was observed when compared with the data obtained before the course. Mean perceived effectiveness of the course was neutral. Nevertheless, overall means of CT, GP and SDL all increased significantly (p < 0.001). Results of the qualitative analysis indicated that students somewhat perceived useful learning experiences from this course on community and public health nursing.

Deliverables