Effectiveness of the clinical teaching associate model to improve clinical learning outcomes: A randomized controlled trial

This study examined the effectiveness of the clinical teaching associate (CTA) model to improve clinical learning outcomes in nursing students. Students were randomly allocated to either the CTA (n = 28) or traditional training group (n = 32), and their clinical knowledge, skills, and satisfaction with the learning experience were assessed and compared. The results showed that the CTA model was equally effective in improving clinical knowledge, skills, and satisfaction of nursing students. Copyright © 2014 Wolters Kluwer Health

Effects of a self-care education program on quality of life of patients with gastric cancer after gastrectomy

© 2015 Frontline Medical Communications. Background Gastrectomy affects different aspects of functionality and impacts on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with gastric cancer. The importance of appropriate assessment of QoL in cancer patients is well established, yet strategies that help improve this important patient outcome are relatively scarce. Objective To examine the effectiveness of a brief self-care education program to improve QoL of gastric cancer patients after gastrectomy. Methods Using a randomized controlled trial, 59 patients with gastric cancer and candidate for gastrectomy were randomly assigned either to an intervention group (n = 31) to participate in a brief self-care education program or to a usual-care group (n = 28). Data were collected on patient demographics, and QoL was measured by the QLQ-C30 and the QLQ-STO22 at baseline and 1 month after gastrectomy. Results There were no statistically signifcant between-group differences in any subscales of the QLQ-C30 and the QLQ-STO22. However, participants in the brief self-care education program showed signifcant improvements from baseline in the global health status-QoL scale (t = 2.243, P < .05), experience of pain (t = 2.508, P < .05), constipation (t = 2.773, P < .05), and the experience of dysphagia at the follow-up assessment. Limitations This study is likely to be underpowered to show differences between the groups. Conclusion A brief self-care education program was not suffcient to signifcantly improve the quality of life patients with gastric cancer after gastrectomy