Authors (including presenting author) :
LI KY (1), CHOW TC (1), Terry YAU (1)
Affiliation :
(1) Central Nursing Division, Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Introduction :
The transition from academia to clinical practice often presents significant challenges, such as realistic shock, for Fresh Graduate Registered Nurses (FGRNs), particularly those belonging to the Gen Z cohort. The COVID-19 pandemic has severely restricted opportunities for real-time clinical practice, impeding their preparedness for professional roles. Furthermore, many FGRNs at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) within the Kowloon Central Cluster (KCC) - “KCCian” reported difficulties in navigating organizational culture and departmental requirements, which adversely affects their problem-solving capabilities and critical thinking skills.
Acknowledging the distinctive characteristics of this generation, including their propensity for self-directed learning, this innovative training initiative employs a participant-driven approach specifically tailored for Gen Z nurses through scenario-based learning. This collaborative design, developed in conjunction with KCCians, empowers participants to shape their learning experiences, fostering engagement and enhancing readiness for real-world clinical situations. By actively involving KCCians in the learning process, this program aims to cultivate essential competencies and confidence, directly addressing the pressing need for effective training in today’s dynamic healthcare landscape.
Objectives :
1. To enhance the critical thinking and problem-solving abilities of KCCians through targeted, scenario-based training that simulates real-world clinical situations, preparing them for the complexities of contemporary healthcare.
2. To encourage active participation and ownership of the learning process by employing a participant-driven approach that tailors training scenarios to the unique preferences and experiences of KCCians, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
3. To evaluate both the retention and application of clinical knowledge and skills acquired during the training, utilizing post-training assessment to measure the effectiveness in enhancing clinical performance and confidence, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes.
Methodology :
1. Training Implementation
- Integration into Curriculum: The Participant-driven Brain-drill Clinical Management Training was incorporated into the regular training curriculum starting with the 2022 intake.
- Workshop Duration: Each workshop was conducted over a half-day workshop, lasting 3 hours.
2. Training Format
- Scenario-Based Learning: Each training session was linked to a clinical case, requiring participants to respond immediately with guidance from facilitators, fostering active engagement.
- Real-World Simulations: The training included clinical emergencies and recent incidents to simulate real-time situations, enhancing participants’ analytical and problem-solving skills.
3. Feedback Mechanisms
- Instant Feedback: Utilize dialogue and stimulation during training to provide immediate feedback to participants, enhancing their understanding of hospital guidelines and practices.
- Debriefing Sessions: Conduct debriefing sessions to reinforce learning and address inquiries, further promoting participant engagement.
4. Continuous Improvement
- Content Modification: Training content was adjusted based on participants responses and post-training feedback to ensure ongoing relevance and effectiveness, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement.
Result & Outcome :
The effectiveness of the training program was assessed through a combination of participant satisfaction surveys, qualitative feedback and post-training assessments, involving a total 386 KCCians graduated from 2022 to 2024.
1. Satisfaction Survey Findings
The satisfaction survey yielded encouraging results with 97.7% of participants reporting overall satisfaction with the training program. Specifically, 98.2% found the content relevant to their clinical practice, while 92.2% felt that the training effectively engaged them in active learning. Furthermore, 95.1% indicated they would recommend the program to their peers, highlighting its perceived value within the professional community.
2. Qualitative Feedback
Qualitative feedback revealed several key themes. Participants expressed appreciation for the scenario-based learning approach, noting its role in enhancing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. One participant remarked, “The real-world simulations made the concepts much clearer and applicable,” while another suggested, “I think a longer session of brain drill and more scenarios can be more beneficial to our learning.”
Additionally, the collaborative nature of the training fostered a supportive learning environment, with participants emphasizing the importance of peer interaction. One participant noted, “The brain drill is great, but it would be even better if more hands-on practices could be included.”
3. Analysis of Post-Training Assessments
Post-training interviews indicated that the brain drill significantly contributed to KCCians’ competence and confidence when encountering similar situations in real clinical settings. Participants expressed that the scenarios enhanced their understanding of potential patient journeys in various clinical contexts. When asked to rate their preparedness for facing similar situations on a 10-point Likert scale, the average score was 8.32 among the 386 participants. The scenarios that participants found most impactful included "transferring a post-operative ill patient from the operating theater to the intensive care unit," "incidents in the ward," and "performing CPR during transfer." These insights illustrate the effectiveness of the training in bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application.
4. Overall Impact on Clinical Preparedness
In summary, the training program not only received high satisfaction ratings but also significantly enhanced KCCians' clinical preparedness. The combination of quantitative measures, such as the improved preparedness ratings, and qualitative feedback from KCCian interviews, supports the program’s success in achieving its objectives. The positive responses highlight the program's capacity to foster a participant-driven learning experience that equips KCCians to face real-world clinical challenges with confidence and competence.
