The development and study of the effectiveness of a novel uterine contraction learning aid: a two-phase research study

Abstract

Background: Nursing students lack clinical experience in assessing intrapartum uterine activity, rating their ability and level of understanding as low or fair despite receiving theoretical instruction prior to attending clinical placements. Teaching model/aids may facilitate learning, however, purchasing additional models could prove expensive within many organisations. Limited exposure to skills rehearsal in school may contribute to student anxiety, stress, and perceived low self-efficacy when in clinical practice. Objectives: To develop and assess the effectiveness of a novel Uterine Contraction Learning Aid as a training tool to expand the knowledge, attitude, and practice of nursing students. Methods: A two-phase study conducted at The Institute of Nursing in Thailand. Phase I was underpinned by research and development. After first being considered for its quality, by five experts comprising an obstetrician, two midwives and two nursing instructors, the novel Uterine Contraction Learning Aid was assessed by 30 fourth-year nursing students with experience in assessing uterine contractions for its educational suitability. Phase II - Sixty year-three nursing students were assigned via matched-pairs to either an experimental or control group to evaluate the effectiveness of the Uterine Contraction Learning Aid, completing three questionnaires underpinned by the knowledge, attitude, and practice concept. Results: Phase I- Descriptive statistics applied to survey responses indicate participants rated the quality of the Uterine Contraction Learning Aid highly in every aspect of learning skills, and perceptions of confidence. The overall production was rated at a good level. Phase II - An independent sample t-test was used to compare knowledge, attitude, and practice values in assessing uterine contractions between control and experimental groups. Participants in the experiment group had significantly higher scores in knowledge and practice when assessing uterine contractions compared to the control group (t = 4.768, p < 0.000 vs. t = 3.630, p < 0.001, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in attitudes in relation to assessing uterine contractions between the two groups (t = 0.188, p = 0.852). Conclusions: The novel Uterine Contraction Learning Aid can be used effectively to prepare nursing students prior to practicing with women undergoing intrapartum care.

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