The Norwegian version of the nursing student mentors' competence instrument (MCI): A psychometric validation study.

Background: Nurse mentors require competence to mentor nursing students in clinical practice, including specific knowledge and skills. Evaluating mentor competence is crucial in developing and ensuring the high-quality mentoring of nursing students. The nursing student mentors' competence instrument is one of the few valid instruments for assessing the competence of nurses as mentors. Objectives: To translate the nursing student mentors' competence instrument into Norwegian and evaluate its psychometric properties. Design: The research employed a cross-sectional study design. Settings: Data were collected from nurse mentors at nursing homes, hospitals, home nursing care and mental health care units in Norway from 2021 to 2022. Participants: A total of 458 registered nurses with experience of mentoring nursing students participated in the study, of which data was used to conduct psychometric testing. Methods: The nursing student mentors' competence instrument was translated and evaluated in six steps: Forward translation, forward translation synthesis, backward translation, backward translation synthesis, cognitive debriefing and psychometric testing. The validity and reliability of the translated instrument were investigated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Cronbach's alpha. Results: The translated instrument showed acceptability. The CFA goodness-of-fit indices showed acceptable model fit (χ2/df = 2.547, SRMR = 0.051, CFI = 0.919, RMSEA = 0.058), and the Cronbach's alpha values for the instrument's subscales ranged from 0.77 to 0.95. Conclusions: The Norwegian version of the nursing student mentors' competence instrument shows potential as a useful instrument for assessing current and required competencies of nurse mentors in clinical practice in nursing education.

Technology-Supported Guidance Models to Stimulate Nursing Students' Self-Efficacy in Clinical Practice: Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: In nursing education, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills is crucial for developing competence in clinical practice. Nursing students encounter challenges in acquiring these essential skills, making self-efficacy a critical component in their professional development. Self-efficacy pertains to individual's belief in their ability to perform tasks and overcome challenges, with significant implications for clinical skills acquisition and academic success. Previous research has underscored the strong link between nursing students' self-efficacy and their clinical competence. Technology has emerged as a promising tool to enhance self-efficacy by enabling personalized learning experiences and in-depth discussions. However, there is a need for a comprehensive literature review to assess the existing body of knowledge and identify research gaps. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to systematically map and identify gaps in published studies on the use of technology-supported guidance models to stimulate nursing students' self-efficacy in clinical practice. METHODS: This scoping review followed the framework of Arksey and O'Malley and was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). A systematic, comprehensive literature search was conducted in ERIC, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and Web of Science for studies published between January 2011 and April 2023. The reference lists of the included papers were manually searched to identify additional studies. Pairs of authors screened the papers, assessed eligibility, and extracted the data. The data were thematically organized. RESULTS: A total of 8 studies were included and four thematic groups were identified: (1) technological solutions for learning support, (2) learning focus in clinical practice, (3) teaching strategies and theoretical approaches for self-efficacy, and (4) assessment of self-efficacy and complementary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Various technological solutions were adopted in the guidance models to stimulate the self-efficacy of nursing students in clinical practice, leading to positive findings. A total of 7 out of 8 studies presented results that were not statistically significant, highlighting the need for further refinement of the applied interventions. Nurse educators play a pivotal role in applying learning strategies and theoretical approaches to enhance nursing students' self-efficacy, but the contributions of nurse preceptors and peers should not be overlooked. Future studies should consider involving users in the intervention process and using validated instruments tailored to the studies' intervention objectives, ensuring relevance and enabling comparisons across studies.

A Technology-Supported Guidance Model to Support the Development of Critical Thinking Among Undergraduate Nursing Students in Clinical Practice: Concurrent, Exploratory, Flexible, and Multimethod Feasibility Study.

BACKGROUND: There is widespread recognition and acceptance of the need for critical thinking in nursing education, as it is necessary to provide high-quality nursing. The Technology-Supported Guidance Model (TSGM) intervention was conducted during clinical practice among undergraduate nursing students and aimed to support the development of critical thinking. A major element of this newly developed intervention is an app, Technology-Optimized Practice Process in Nursing (TOPP­N), combined with the daily guidance of nursing students from nurse preceptors and summative assessments based on the Assessment of Clinical Education. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of a newly developed intervention, TSGM, among undergraduate nursing students, nurse preceptors, and nurse educators. Further objectives were to assess the primary and secondary outcome measures, recruitment strategy, and data collection strategy and to identify the potential causes of dropout and barriers to participant recruitment, retention, intervention fidelity, and adherence to the intervention. METHODS: This study was designed as a concurrent, exploratory, flexible, and multimethod feasibility study of the TSGM intervention that included quantitative and qualitative data from nursing students, nurse preceptors, and nurse educators. The primary outcome measures were the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. The secondary outcomes included the suitability and acceptance of the outcome measures (critical thinking, self-efficacy, clinical learning environment, metacognition and self-regulation, technology acceptance, and competence of mentors); data collection strategy; recruitment strategy; challenges related to dropouts; and hindrances to recruitment, retention, and intervention fidelity and adherence. RESULTS: Nursing students, nurse preceptors, and nurse educators had varied experiences with the TSGM intervention. We identified factors that make the intervention feasible and challenging and may influence the feasibility, acceptability, dropout rate, adherence, and fidelity of the intervention. We also identified areas for future improvement of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a newly developed intervention, TSGM, is feasible and accepted by undergraduate nursing students, nurse preceptors, and nurse educators; however, refinement and improvement of the intervention and the TOPP­N app, improvement in intervention management, and mitigation of negative factors are necessary before a randomized controlled trial can be performed. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/31646.

A Technology-Supported Guidance Model to Increase the Flexibility, Quality, and Efficiency of Nursing Education in Clinical Practice in Norway: Development Study of the TOPP-N Application Prototype.

BACKGROUND: The challenges of nursing shortage in the nursing profession and of limited nursing educational capacity in nursing education in clinical practice need to be addressed to ensure supply according to the demand of these professionals. In addition, communication problems among nursing students, nurse educators, and nurse preceptors; variations in the guidance competence of nurse preceptors; and limited overview from nurse educators on nursing students' clinical practice are common challenges reported in several research studies. These challenges affect the quality of nursing education in clinical practice, and even though these problems have been highlighted for several years, a recent study showed that these problems are increasing. Thus, an approach is required to ensure the quality of nursing education in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to develop a guidance and assessment application to meet the challenges reported in clinical practice. The application intended to increase the flexibility, quality, and efficiency of nursing education in clinical practice. Furthermore, it intended to increase interactive communication that supports guidance and ensure structured evaluation of nursing students in clinical practice. METHODS: This study employed a multidisciplinary user-participatory design. Overall, 23 stakeholders from the project team (ie, 5 researchers, 2 software developers, 1 pedagogical advisor, and 15 user representatives [4 educators, 6 preceptors, and 5 students]) participated in a user-centered development process that included workshops, intervention content development, and prototype testing. RESULTS: This study resulted in the creation of the Technology-Optimized Practice Process in Nursing (TOPP-N) guidance and assessment application for use as a supportive tool for nursing students, nurse preceptors, and nurse educators in clinical practice. The development process included the application's name and logo, technical architecture, guidance and assessment module, and security and privacy. CONCLUSIONS: This study offers insights into the development of an evidence-based technological tool to support nursing students, nurse preceptors, and nurse educators in clinical practice. Furthermore, the developed application has the potential to meet several challenges reported in nursing education in clinical practice. After a rigorous development process, we believe that the TOPP-N guidance and assessment application prototype is now ready to be tested in further intervention studies.

Brazilian undergraduate nursing students' critical thinking need to be increased: a cross-sectional study / O pensamento crítico dos estudantes de graduação em enfermagem brasileiros precisa ser ampliado: estudo transversal / Es necesario aumentar el pensamiento crítico de los estudiantes brasileños de graduación en enfermería: estudio transversal

ABSTRACT Objectives: to map Brazilian undergraduate nursing students' critical thinking level and investigate the correlation between selected sociodemographic data and critical thinking domains. Methods: in this descriptive cross-sectional study, participants' (N=89) critical thinking was assessed using the Health Science Reasoning Test. Correlation between critical thinking domains and sociodemographic data was assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: the overall results showed a moderate level of participants' critical thinking (mean = 70.7; standard deviation 5.7). A poor performance was identified in 5 of the 8 critical thinking domains. A significant positive correlation was found between education period and critical thinking (p<.001). Conclusions: poor level in students critical thinking domains may lead to negative consequences for their learning outcomes. Further studies should be carried out to confirm our results, in addition to investigation of teaching methods that encourage and ensure the development of students' critical thinking skills during nursing education.

RESUMO Objetivos: mapear o nível de pensamento crítico de estudantes brasileiros de graduação em enfermagem e investigar a correlação entre os dados sociodemográficos selecionados e os domínios do pensamento crítico. Métodos: neste estudo transversal descritivo, o pensamento crítico dos participantes (N=89) foi avaliado por meio do Health Science Reasoning Test. A correlação entre os domínios do pensamento crítico e os dados sociodemográficos foi avaliada pelo coeficiente de correlação de Pearson. Resultados: os resultados gerais mostraram um nível moderado de pensamento crítico dos participantes (média=70,7; desvio padrão 5,7). Foi identificado um desempenho ruim em 5 dos 8 domínios do pensamento crítico. Foi encontrada correlação positiva significativa entre escolaridade e o pensamento crítico (p<0,001). Conclusões: baixos níveis nos domínios de pensamento crítico em estudantes podem levar a consequências negativas para seus resultados de aprendizagem. Novos estudos devem ser realizados para confirmar nossos resultados, além da investigação de métodos de ensino que incentivem e garantam o desenvolvimento das habilidades de pensamento crítico dos estudantes durante a formação em enfermagem.

RESUMEN Objetivos: mapear el nivel de pensamiento crítico de los estudiantes brasileños de pregrado en enfermería e investigar la correlación entre los datos sociodemográficos seleccionados y los dominios del pensamiento crítico. Métodos: en este estudio transversal descriptivo, el pensamiento crítico de los participantes (N=89) fue evaluada mediante el Health Science Reasoning Test. La correlación entre los dominios de pensamiento crítico y los datos sociodemográficos se evaluó mediante el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson. Resultados: los resultados generales mostraron un nivel moderado de pensamiento crítico de los participantes (media=70,7; desviación estándar 5,7). Se identificó un desempeño deficiente en 5 de los 8 dominios del pensamiento crítico. Se encontró una correlación positiva significativa entre educación y pensamiento crítico (p<0,001). Conclusiones: los bajos niveles de los dominios del pensamiento crítico en los estudiantes pueden tener consecuencias negativas para sus resultados de aprendizaje. Se deben realizar más estudios para confirmar nuestros resultados, además de la investigación de métodos de enseñanza que fomenten y aseguren el desarrollo de habilidades de pensamiento crítico de los estudiantes durante su formación en enfermería.

Brazilian undergraduate nursing students' critical thinking need to be increased: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: to map Brazilian undergraduate nursing students' critical thinking level and investigate the correlation between selected sociodemographic data and critical thinking domains. METHODS: in this descriptive cross-sectional study, participants' (N=89) critical thinking was assessed using the Health Science Reasoning Test. Correlation between critical thinking domains and sociodemographic data was assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: the overall results showed a moderate level of participants' critical thinking (mean = 70.7; standard deviation 5.7). A poor performance was identified in 5 of the 8 critical thinking domains. A significant positive correlation was found between education period and critical thinking (p<.001). CONCLUSIONS: poor level in students critical thinking domains may lead to negative consequences for their learning outcomes. Further studies should be carried out to confirm our results, in addition to investigation of teaching methods that encourage and ensure the development of students' critical thinking skills during nursing education.

Technology-Supported Guidance Models Stimulating the Development of Critical Thinking in Clinical Practice: Mixed Methods Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Nursing education has increasingly focused on critical thinking among nursing students, as critical thinking is a desired outcome of nursing education. Particular attention is given to the potential of technological tools in guiding nursing students to stimulate the development of critical thinking; however, the general landscape, facilitators, and challenges of these guidance models remain unexplored, and no previous mixed methods systematic review on the subject has been identified. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to synthesize existing evidence on technology-supported guidance models used in nursing education to stimulate the development of critical thinking in nursing students in clinical practice. METHODS: This mixed methods systematic review adopted a convergent, integrated design to facilitate thematic synthesis. This study followed the guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis. RESULTS: We identified 3 analytical themes: learning processes implemented to stimulate critical thinking, organization of the learning process to stimulate critical thinking, and factors influencing the perception of the learning process. We also identified 4 guidance models, all based on facilitator or preceptorship models using tailored instructional or learning strategies and one or several technological tools that were either generic or custom-made for specific outcomes. The main facilitators of these technology-supported guidance models were nurse educators or nurse preceptors, and the main challenges in using technology-supported guidance models were the stress associated with technical difficulties or increased cognitive load. CONCLUSIONS: Although we were able to identify 4 technology-supported guidance models, our results indicate a research gap regarding the use of these models in nursing education, with the specific aim of stimulating the development of critical thinking. Both nurse preceptors and nurse educators play a crucial role in the development of critical thinking among nursing students, and technology is essential for such development. However, technology-supported guidance models should be supervised to mitigate the associated stress. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/25126.

Simulation-Based Learning Supported by Technology to Enhance Critical Thinking in Nursing Students: Protocol for a Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Critical thinking is a crucial skill in the nursing profession, so teaching strategies and methodology must be carefully considered when training and preparing nursing students to think critically. Studies on simulation-based learning supported by technology are increasing in nursing education, but no scoping reviews have mapped the literature on simulation-based learning supported by technology to enhance critical thinking in nursing students. OBJECTIVE: The proposed scoping review aims to systematically map research on the use of simulation-based learning supported by technology to enhance critical thinking in nursing students. METHODS: The proposed scoping review will use the framework established by Arksey and O'Malley and will be reported according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) extension for scoping reviews. A systematic, comprehensive literature search was performed in the LILACS, ERIC, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases. Pairs of authors independently selected the articles by screening titles, abstracts, full-text papers, and extract data. The data will be analyzed and thematically categorized. RESULTS: The development of a comprehensive and systematic search strategy was completed in June 2021. The database searches were performed in July 2021, and the screening of titles and abstracts was completed in September 2021. Charting the data began in February 2022. Analysis and synthesis will be performed sequentially, and the scoping review is expected to be complete by May 2023. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this proposed scoping review may identify gaps in the literature and provide an overview of research on the topic of simulation-based learning supported by technology to enhance critical thinking in nursing students. The research may identify nursing students' reported barriers and enablers for learning critical thinking skills through simulation-based learning supported by technology, and the results may help educators enhance their educational approach through knowledge of students' firsthand experiences and further development of successful teaching strategies in nursing education. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/36725.

Technology-Supported Guidance Model to Support the Development of Critical Thinking Among Undergraduate Nursing Students in Clinical Practice: Protocol of an Exploratory, Flexible Mixed Methods Feasibility Study.

BACKGROUND: Critical thinking is an essential set of skills in nursing education, and nursing education therefore needs a sharper focus on effective ways to support the development of these skills, especially through the implementation of technological tools in nursing education. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study protocol is to assess the feasibility of a technology-supported guidance model grounded in the metacognition theory for nursing students in clinical practice. METHODS: Both quantitative (research questionnaires) and qualitative (focus group interviews) approaches will be used to collect data for a feasibility study with an exploratory, flexible mixed methods design to test a newly developed intervention in clinical practice. RESULTS: The intervention development was completed in December 2020. The intervention will be tested in 3 independent nursing homes in Norway. CONCLUSIONS: By determining the feasibility of a technology-supported guidance model for nursing students in clinical practice, the results will provide information on the acceptability of the intervention and the suitability of the outcome measures and data collection strategy. They will also identify the causes of dropout and obstacles to retention and adherence. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/31646.

Technology-Supported Guidance Models Stimulating the Development of Critical Thinking in Clinical Practice: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Critical thinking is an essential skill that nursing students need to develop. Technological tools have opened new avenues for technology-supported guidance models, but the challenges and facilitators of such guidance models, as well as how they stimulate the development of critical thinking, remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: We developed a protocol for a mixed methods systematic review to investigate the use of technology-supported guidance models that stimulate the development of critical thinking in nursing education clinical practice. METHODS: A convergent integrated design following the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis will be employed. A pair of authors will select the articles by screening titles and abstracts, and the methodological quality of the articles included in the review will be assessed by a pair of authors according to checklists for specific study designs. The data will be extracted using the standardized Joanna Briggs Institute mixed methods data extraction form and following a convergent integrated approach. The thematic synthesis for data transformation will be used. RESULTS: Development of a comprehensive systematic search strategy was completed in October 2020. The database searches were performed on October 21, 2020. As of January 2021, analysis and synthesis is ongoing. Completion of this review is expected by January 2021. CONCLUSIONS: By combining evidence from studies with varied methodological approaches, the results should provide broad insight into the use of technology-supported guidance models for clinical practice in nursing education with a focus on the development of nursing students' critical thinking. The results of this mixed methods systematic review can also be used to develop or improve current technology-supported guidance models for clinical practice in nursing education. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/25126.