Exploring nurse students’ expectations for developing a quality assurance course

Aim : The aim of this qualitative study was to explore nurse students’ expectations on a quality assurance course and to use the data provided for further development of the course. Method and material : The sample studied consisted of 12 postgraduate nurse students who were anticipated to attend a quality assurance course for nurses in U.K. Data were collected by the completion of the “Quality Assurance Expectations’ Questionnaire (QAEQ)”. The questionnaire consisted of five open-ended questions focused on three main areas: a) expected achievements of the students on knowledge, skills and attitudes, b) expected subjects to be included in the course, c) students’ current experience and involvement in quality assurance activities. A content analysis was used to identify the categories and themes found in the nurses descriptions about their expectations on the quality assurance course. Results : The findings of this study highlighted that students’ expectations related to improved knowledge and skills on quality assurance issues. Expectations on course content focused on issues of quality assurance implementation and evidence – based practice. More specifically, students were expecting to learn about the essence of quality assurance in general and how quality assurance programmes can contribute to the improvement of the health care system in general. Professional development was also reported by the students since, they were expecting to improve their clinical performance and thus to reflect improved patient care and improved nursing practice. Furthermore, they stated their expectation to be able to discuss in detail with their colleagues and other health professionals about quality assurance as well as to be able to initiate methods of quality assurance issues in their working environment. Finally the nurse students’ expectation to be actively involved to quality assurance activities in health care was also reflected in terms of obtaining advanced knowledge and skills. Conclusions : Exploration of students’ expectation is a crucial developmental component influencing the overall process of programme planning and implementation.

Author(s): Stavropoulou Areti

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