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Developing competence in cardiac care through the use of blended learning: course members' and mentors' accounts

Iley, K; McInulty, L; Jones, I; Yorke, J; Johnson, M

Authors

K Iley

L McInulty

I Jones

J Yorke

M Johnson



Abstract

The use of blended learning to develop the clinical knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals is
increasing. This paper reports the qualitative findings from an evaluation of a blended learning course
designed to equip registered nurses with the knowledge and skills required to practice competently in
cardiac nursing. The aims of the study were to explore whether a cardiac care course could be successfully
delivered mainly online and it had any impact on the students' clinical practice. The sample consisted of
course members and their mentors. Data were obtained through focus groups and interviews and analysed
using thematic analysis. All students felt they had benefited from undertaking the course. Mentors identified
higher levels of confidence and greater depth of knowledge and skills amongst their students. Areas
identified for further development by both groups were firstly, the preparation of mentors for their role in
supporting the students undertaking an online course and secondly, the expected level of competence that
students needed to display in practice. This study indicates online learning is useful in enhancing student
competence but may be wrongly seen as requiring less time commitment for both course members and
mentors when compared to taught courses.

Citation

Iley, K., McInulty, L., Jones, I., Yorke, J., & Johnson, M. (2011). Developing competence in cardiac care through the use of blended learning: course members' and mentors' accounts. Nurse Education Today, 31(4), 323-327. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2010.06.009

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jan 1, 2011
Deposit Date May 9, 2011
Journal Nurse Education Today
Print ISSN 0260-6917
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 31
Issue 4
Pages 323-327
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2010.06.009
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2010.06.009