Clinical Skills in Undergraduate Nurse Education: Transforming and Harnessing Student Engagement through Problem Based Learning utilising a Blended Teaching Approach

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a transformative effect on teaching and facilitating clinical skills within undergraduate nursing programmes. Traditionally, clinical nursing skills have been taught face to face in the Department of Nursing and Health Care in South East Technological University (SETU), however, due to the pandemic, skills content has had to be taught through a blended format, predominantly on-line. The curriculum remained unchanged, with clinical skill content to be delivered, and learning outcomes which were required to be met. There was significant pressure to deliver skills teaching in an effective way despite the enforced change due to the pandemic restrictions on face-to-face teaching. Online student engagement was a priority for the working group as active engagement has been shown to enhance students' motivation to learn and increase students' satisfaction in achieving their educational goals. Furthermore, positive student engagement can reduce the sense of isolation and lend itself to improved students’ performance. This paper provides an overview of how some of the academic team of a higher institute of technology, in the Republic of Ireland, creatively met these challenges, through on-line delivery and a blended learning approach. The module teams utilised the application of Problem Based Learning (PBL), underpinned with a philosophical framework based on Critical Social Theory (CST) principles. In order to achieve this, an acronym was devised, namely RAPID (Recognise, Assessment, Plan, Interventions and Discuss). The students were supported to develop a Portfolio of Clinical Scenarios, to enhance their learning which empowered the students to further develop their critical thinking skills. Recommendations include a problem based learning and interdisciplinary structured nursing approach to patient assessment using the acronym RAPID. This enabled students to develop their problem-solving skills. Therefore, applying it to real world problem-based patient case scenarios, which can enhance student motivation and engagement

Purchasing over the counter (OTC) medicinal products containing codeine - easy access, advertising, misuse and perceptions of medicinal risk.

PURPOSE: Codeine containing medicines can carry a number of health risks associated with the increase in reported misuse and dependence, however they are still readily available over the counter (OTC) in many countries. The aim of this novel study was to report on the results of a survey of customers purchasing OTC codeine containing medicinal products at pharmacies in Ireland, South Africa and England; exploring use, sources of knowledge and perception of risks. METHODS: The study design was an exploratory cross sectional survey. It involved a customer self-administered questionnaire at the point of purchase (n=1230).  Relationships between categorical variables were analysed using Pearson chi-square for bivariate analysis. Continuous scale variables were analysed using one way analysis of variance. RESULTS: In Ireland 6% stated they purchased codeine containing products weekly, in South Africa 13% and in England 16%. In Ireland and England women are more likely to view codeine containing products as harmful. In England older adults are more likely to perceive codeine containing products as harmful. A higher proportion of customers in South Africa opposed restricting codeine containing products to prescription only when compared with people in Ireland and England. CONCLUSIONS: Codeine containing products are widely purchased and used in all three jurisdictions. Whilst the majority of customers appear to have some awareness and knowledge of risks, it does not materially impact on their purchasing behaviour with a substantial minority purchasing/using such products on a weekly basis. This regularity of purchase whilst indicative of the popularity of such products, may also be a potential indicator of misuse. Future research is needed in relation to cultural and gendered differences and targeted information giving and harm reduction initiatives for safe usage of these medicinal products

Stress and Maladaptive Coping of Italians Health Care Professionals during the First Wave of the Pandemic

Stress during the pandemic has had an impact on the mental health of healthcare professionals (HCPs). However, little is known about coping and “maladaptive” coping behaviours of this population. This study investigates “maladaptive” coping behaviours and their correlation with stress, anxiety and insomnia of Italian HCPs during the pandemic. It reports on a cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational study based on a survey of 1955 Italian HCPs. Overall participants reported increases in cigarette smoking, time spent online and video playing. Overall reported alcohol consumption decreased but increased in those reporting drinking more than once a week. Those reporting starting smoking during the pandemic were found to have higher SAS and PSS scores. Those reporting being online for 3 or more hours were found to have higher ISS scores. Doctors who reported playing video games were found to have higher PSS, ISS and SAS scores whilst nurses who reported playing video games were found to have higher ISS scores. Doctors who reported playing for longer than one hour had higher PSS scores. Online behaviours may be a coping behaviour of HCPs affected by the pandemic. However, this is an underexplored area for the wellbeing of HCPs. These deficits need to be addressed going forward