Using an electronic assessment system for nursing students on placements

Julie Smith (Lead / Corresponding author), Walter Cambers

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    4 Citations (Scopus)
    535 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    Electronic assessment is gaining popularity in clinically based elements of pre-registration nurse education. In this study, the authors explored student nurse and mentor experiences during transition from a paper to an electronic system. Mixed research methods used included survey questionnaires and focus groups. Student nurses and their mentors (both n=5) discussed and rated their confidence and skills in information technology and their experience of an electronic assessment document before and after two successive clinical placements. Students' self-reported confidence increased after both placements; mentors' confidence fell after the first placement. Students reported the fewest needs for additional support, while mentors expressed anxieties about system navigation and time required. The main barrier was lack of access to computers connected to the internet in the practice environment. Nevertheless, students and mentors were receptive to the change. Training and support was seen as essential. Serious challenges in up-scaling this system for complete student cohorts lie in wait if computer availability is not addressed.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1192-1196
    Number of pages5
    JournalBritish Journal of Nursing
    Volume26
    Issue number21
    Early online date23 Nov 2017
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Nov 2017

    Keywords

    • Journal article
    • Nursing students
    • Mentors
    • Computers
    • Clinical placements
    • Electronic assessment
    • Information technology

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