Nursing Students in Clinical Placements Learning in Dyads: A Feasibility Study Using a Non-randomized Pilot Trial

Abstract

Purpose: To develop a protocol for a clinical education intervention using dyads and to assess the feasibility of implementing the approach with second-year nursing students in their first clinical placement. The objectives were a) to evaluate and refine data collection procedures and outcome measures, b) to evaluate the acceptability and sustainability of the intervention, and c) to identify weaknesses of the intervention or threats to future implementation.

Methods: A feasibility study was designed as a non-randomized pilot trial. The setting was the university site of a collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in Ottawa. Three clinical groups consisting of 24 second-year students enrolled in both the French and English undergraduate programs comprised the sample. The intervention protocol was developed based on guiding principles reflective of the needs of our institution, as well as pedagogical priorities. Data were collected from clinical instructors and other stakeholders pre- and post-intervention through multiple means and analyzed descriptively. We followed the CONSORT extension to randomized pilot and feasibility trials to guide reporting of the study.

Results: The intervention was deemed acceptable by the clinical instructors, as well as the managers and educators of the units. We received no negative feedback regarding the intervention, or the workload required to implement the intervention properly. For data collection instruments, the NSSES was completed more often and with greater ease than the VSI-NS. In all cases, the responses to the instruments were congruent with our expectations and student scores shifted in the anticipated direction. Clinical instructors were able to consistently observe patient care and reported having more time for teaching and mentorship.

Conclusions: Using a dyad approach to clinical education appears to be a viable strategy, and our feasibility study supports the appropriateness of further research into the use of dyads for nursing clinical education. From a sustainability perspective, the intervention allowed for the safe implementation of larger group sizes without negatively affecting the learning environment or the integrity of the course objectives.