ABSTRACT
Visual Thinking Strategies is a teaching technique initially studied in primary education but recently has been used to teach nursing students and other healthcare professionals. VTS has been found to help participants think and see differently, explore learning in safe environments, and develop ethical competencies. Experiences with VTS can create rich discussions and present opportunities for nurses to talk about issues and concerns that may not always present in the classroom. VTS can provide participants with the ability to explore meanings and engage in conversations about diversity and social determinants of health. This article explores how teachers can use VTS to create meaningful dialogue with participants and relate it to their care of patients.
Subject(s)
Students, Nursing , Thinking , Humans , Communication , Qualitative ResearchABSTRACT
Health care is increasingly complex, as nurses navigate working in teams and conveying critical information to others. Clear communication and accuracy are critical for nurses because they communicate to patients and other members of the health care team. Art, and more specifically, Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), are ways for nurses to practice communication and clear articulation of ideas. VTS also allows nurses to explore finding their voices and working with others to provide safe and effective communication among the team, including patients and their families.
Subject(s)
Communication , Thinking , Creativity , Humans , Nurses , Patient Care TeamABSTRACT
Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) is a structured art-viewing technique designed to teach critical thinking and aesthetic appreciation. Literature on how VTS might be used in nursing is just emerging. This qualitative descriptive study examined written responses to how 14 doctorate of nursing practice students thought they might use VTS in their practice after engaging in a classroom session. Three themes emerged for how nurses might use VTS: Facilitating Interpersonal Relationships, Changing Thinking in Practice, and As a Teaching Tool. This study contributes to the growing body of literature that suggests that art and VTS and can be used in nursing with practitioners of all levels to promote conversations that involve listening intently and considering other possibilities. J Contin Educ Nurs. 2017;48(8):365-368.
Subject(s)
Audiovisual Aids , Education, Nursing, Graduate/methods , Students, Nursing/psychology , Teaching Materials , Thinking , Adult , Curriculum , Female , Humans , Male , Models, Educational , Nursing Education Research , Qualitative ResearchABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: There is a need to develop innovative strategies that cultivate broad cognitive, intrapersonal, and interpersonal skills in nursing curricula. The purpose of this project was to explore transferable skills students gained from Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS). METHOD: This qualitative descriptive study was conducted with 55 baccalaureate nursing students enrolled in an entry level healthy population course. The students participated in a 1h VTS session led by a trained facilitator. Data came from the group's written responses to a question about how they would use skills learned from VTS in caring for patients and in their nursing practice. RESULTS: Content analysis showed students perceived gaining observational, cognitive, interpersonal, and intrapersonal skills from the VTS session. CONCLUSIONS: VTS is a unique teaching strategy that holds the potential to help nursing students develop a broad range of skills. Studies are needed on optimal exposure needed to develop observational, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. Research is also needed on how skills gained in VTS translate to practice.
