Assessing Nursing Clinical Skills Performance Using Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) for Open Distance Learning Students in Open University Malaysia

Objective: The study assessed clinical competence level among distance learning nursing students’, using an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). Study design: The cross sectional study method was used in this study. There are 5 stations of Objective Structured Clinical Examination. The researchers analyzed the level of competency from overall scores distribution using checklists. Results: The findings revealed that 43(14%) of the nurses have level four competencies, which indicates that they could perform the tasks correctly and complete. However, 36(12%) failed the OSCE, even though these nurses had more than ten years experience and post basic qualification. Among them were clinical instructors and nurse managers that give serious implications for nursing institution and services. The findings show that race, designation, current specialization and OSCE centers have an association with level of competency. Conclusion: An Objective Structured Clinical Exam is a necessary test that needs to be done continuously for tertiary nursing education programs, years of experiences and placement. This study supports the need for objective structured clinical examination in both the design of nursing degree programs and the assessment of nurses’ clinical competence level. (Author's abstract

Knowledge and Attitudes in Pain Relief Management Among Private Hospital Nurses

For both nurses and patients, effective pain relief management is critical. Relieving patients’ pain and suffering are considered the responsibility of nurses. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted. The Nurses Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Pain Questionnaire was used to measure the nurses’ level of knowledge and attitude toward pain assessment and management. The results showed a lack of knowledge among nurses regarding pain relief management. It started with the fundamental question regarding the usage of the vital sign as reliable indicators of the intensity of a patient’s pain. 90.6% (145) of the nurses answered ‘True’, but the correct answer was ‘False’, and only 9.4% (15) of the nurses gave the correct answer. We found out that 60% (96) of nurses believed that patients should not receive opioid treatment even if they are in pain. This study discovered that the level of knowledge on pain relief management among nurses in the private hospital was inadequate. The patients should receive appropriate treatment to relieve the pain regardless of their history of substance abuse. This perception on the nurses could prevent some of the patients from their right to being pain-free

Healthcare workers’ satisfaction on sbar tool for handover in a private hospital

Nursing handover is indispensable and functions as information exchange, care continuity, and fundamental to safe and quality patient care. Healthcare workers conduct shift handover in a background of chaotic, frequent interruptions, within limited timeframe. Healthcare workers’ satisfaction on shift handover directly and indirectly affects the patient’s safety and standards of care. Aims: To explore satisfaction on the SBAR tool for handover among healthcare workers in a private hospital. Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study. Setting: A private, multispecialty hospital (84-bed capacity). Population and Sample: Purposive sample (n = 89) of nurses and PCAs working in all the departments participated with voluntary participation and anonymity ensured, at 72% response rate. Data Collection: Anonymous self-administered questionnaire (Handover Evaluation Scale) with 14-item of 7-point Likert-type scale were returned within a one-week timeframe. Data Analysis: Descriptive statistics on demographics with frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviations. Statistical (inferential) analyses were run on HES responses and correlation with demographic variables. Narrative comments to open-ended questions were analysed qualitatively by summarising key themes. Results: Healthcare workers are found to be satisfied with SBAR for handover, with total score of 71.64 (SD = 8.81) in the range of 14-98. Associations are discovered between certain demographics and respondents’ satisfaction. Key strengths and limitations of SBAR, and suggestions for improvements are collected and all the above discussed pertaining to implications. Conclusion: Healthcare workers are satisfied with the use of SBAR for handover. There are associations between demographics with SBAR satisfaction. Key strengths, limitations, and suggestions for improvement in relation to SBAR are discussed. (Abstract by authors

Preliminary analysis: Engaging learning via new Web 2.0 medium - Facebook (Abstract)

This paper presents the use of online social network (OSN) applications, Facebook, as a tool for e-learning. The traditional e-learning medium in Open University Malaysia (OUM) is using the learning management system or learning portal called the “My Virtual Learning Environment” (myVLE), which is based on web 2.0 applications. If compared to Facebook, the myVLE is not really known to the public. Hence, we believe that the various features possessed by Facebook, such as facilitating online discussion, sharing links and resources, facilitating the conduct of Q&A sessions, uploading field trip/project photos and videos and much more, can be maximized as a tool that can empower educators and students to engage, interact, share and learn in an e-learning environment. Furthermore, Facebook is applicable to many types of devices ranging from personal desktop computer to mobile devices such as Smartphone and tablets. It is compatible with numerous operating systems and its features such as private group and event scheduling, are easy to learn and use. In this study, we used Facebook to investigate how our students feel about using this online social network for e-learning apart from the existing learning management system, myVLE. Most of the higher education institutions are discovering that new models of teaching and learning are required to meet the needs of a generation of learners who seeks greater autonomy and connectivity as well as the opportunity to experience social learning. Traditional approaches to teaching and learning are typically based on prepackaged learning materials, fixed deadlines, and assessment task and criteria defined by educators. However, today’s students demand greater control of their own learning and technology is a way to meet their needs and preferences. Thus, the aim of this paper is to explore how Facebook is suitable as an e-learning tool for students. It is not about replacing our existing e-learning platform (myVLE), but about collaborating and empowering students with more tools in e-learning to make them feel engaged and motivated, especially in distance education. Oncology Nursing students were used as the sample for this study. (Abstract by authors

The Perceived Cultural Barriers To Effective Communication Towards Patient Among Non-Saudi Registered Nurses Of A Public Hospital, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) health care setting effective communication is a central to the provision of compassionate and high-quality nursing care. The aim of the survey is to study the perceived cultural barriers to effective communication towards patient and knowledge towards culture working environment among non-Saudi registered nurses in a hospital in KSA. Methodology: This is cross-sectional survey conducted from January 2017 to Jun 2018 thorough self-administration questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed to 150 nurses that randomly selected from medical and surgical fields and received feedback with total number 135 nurses. Results: Most of the respondents were female 125 (92.6%) between 26 to 30 years. In terms of years of experience, 49 (36.3%) had five to ten years of experience, and the rest 89 (65.9%) had no previous working experience in Saudi. The findings displayed that physical and mental tiredness for 55 (40.7%). The second ranked respondents strongly agreed that cultural communication barriers come from hard nursing tasks 45 (33.3%), heavy nursing workload 46 (34.1%) and followed by lack of information and skills in communication for which 50 (37.0%). Conclusion: The respondents considering communication barriers are related to personal and social characteristics, job specification, clinical situation of patients and environmental factors. There are significant results regarding the knowledge towards culture working environment in terms of nurses' perception, cultural norms and culture on life activities.(Abstract bu authors

Knowledge and Awareness among Registered Nurses in the Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) for High-Risk Antenatal and Postnatal Mothers

Background: There is an increment in the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) among the Asian population. This study is conducted to investigate the level of knowledge and awareness of the nurses regarding VTE. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 170 respondents who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The respondents’ knowledge and awareness were assessed by using an individual VTE self-efficacy items with 5-point Likert scale. Results: The finding shows no significant relationship between age, education level, nurse grade, experience, attend CNE with the knowledge level. There is significant relationship between attend CNE and level of awareness. Conclusion: In this study, it was discovered that the level of knowledge and awareness among nurses in the government hospital were at good level. However, more studies should be conducted to compare among the hospitals. This will capture a clear picture regarding nurses’ knowledge and awareness regarding VTE management

Assessing nursing clinical skills competence through objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) for open distance learning students in Open University Malaysia

Background: The objective structured clinical skills examination (OSCE) has over the years emerged as a method of evaluating clinical skills in most medical and allied professions. Although its validity and objectivity has evoked so much debate in the literature, little has been written about its application in non-traditional education systems such as in distance learning. This study examined clinical skills competence among practising nursing students who were enrolled in a distance learning programme. The study examined the effect of work and years of nursing practice on nurses' clinical skills competence. Methodology: This study used observational design whereby nursing students' clinical skills were observed and scored in five OSCE stations. Two instruments were used for the data collection -- A self-administered questionnaire on the students' bio-demographic data, and a check list on the clinical skills which the examiners rated on a four point scale. Results: The findings revealed that 14% of the nurses had level four competence, which indicated that they could perform the tasks correctly and complete. However, 12% failed the OSCE, even though they had more than 10 years experience in nursing and post basic qualifications. Inter-rater reliability was 0.92 for the five examiners. Factor analysis indicated that five participant factors accounted for 74.1% of the variations in clinical skills performance. Conclusion: An OSCE is a necessary assessment tool that should be continuously applied in nursing education, regardless of the mode of the education program, the student's years of experience or his/her clinical placement. This study validates the need for OSCE in both the design of tertiary nursing degree programs and the assessment of nurses' clinical competency level. (Abstract by authors

Stress And Coping Strategies During Clinical Practices Among Degree Nursing Students of a Private Institution

Nursing students undergoing training in nursing faculty seem to have a higher potential to cope with stress and challenges. This study is to determine stress and coping strategies during clinical practices among degree nursing students of a private institution. Methodology: Descriptive, cross-sectional design in assessing students’ stress and sources of stress as well as identify the coping strategies used by students. Total of 122 undergraduate nursing students participated in this research study by using self-reported questionnaire. Results: Majority were female, ages between 31 to 40 years, from semester 4 and with working of experience between 11 to 20 years. Most frequent types of stress found among these students were during taking care of patients are lack of experience and ability in providing nursing care and in making judgment. The lack of knowledge regarding the possible ways to help patients with physio-physio-social concerns and concern about not being trusted or accepted by patients or patients’ family. Coping behaviours indicates a statistically significant difference between all the coping behaviours between male and female respondents. Discussion: High level of stress can affect the physical, psychological health of the individual. This may also affect the cognitive process involving memories, recall of knowledge and attention. (Abstract by authors

The role of open university and its impact on the development of a skilled health workforce

The Covid-19 pandemic and the emergence of its various strains, most recently Omicron, have provided us with an opportunity to observe how the healthcare environment has changed and how health care workers (HCWs) have responded to these changes. The healthcare sector is evolving faster than ever, making it essential for HCWs to receive top-notch, ongoing training and education. Making sure patients receive the finest treatment is a responsibility shared by HCWs. HCWs can ensure this by taking part in regular training during their career. However, the announcement of the movement control order (MCO) by the National Security Council has indefinitely disrupted the learning and teaching in tertiary centres and the majority were forced to suspend their learning activities. This study investigates the role and positive impact of Open University on developing a skilled health workforce in the post-pandemic era, leveraging on industry 4.0. METHOD. A multi-centric cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted to explore the perception among students of nursing and Assistant Medical Officer at Open University Malaysia. RESULTS. This paper aims to explore the role and the subsequent impact of Open University Malaysia on the development of a skilled healthcare workforce. CONCLUSION. The open distance learning model should be considered to change the landscape of conventional medical and nursing education to allow more opportunities for already busy nurses and Assistant Medical Officers to further their tertiary education to become the most qualified individuals to meet the growing need of our local healthcare industry. (Abstract by authors

Comparative study of student performance in traditional and online assessments

Since the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) as pandemic on March 11, 2020, containing its spread has been an international priority. COVID-19 is characterised by its rapid human-to-human transmission and the potential of asymptomatic cases to infect others. To reduce community spread, countries adopted unprecedented restrictions to isolate their populations to their homes - popularly termed “quarantine” or “social distancing” - and implemented social isolation measures that disrupt not only the economic sectors but also people's lives. Our life during the pandemic has changed tremendously in every aspect. Working from Home (WFH) and Fully online Learning is now the new norm. In early childhood, primary, secondary and tertiary education environments, the methods of learning have changed. Educational institutions have drastically revised and changed their teaching and learning processes. Technology is fully leveraged to ensure the process of learning continues. Ready or not, students need to embrace the changes. For Open University Malaysia (OUM), which has long been leveraging technology in its teaching and learning, COVID-19 has resulted in further changes. We have fully migrated from traditional assessment to online assessment, this to cater to the government’s restriction of congregating physically. Examinations are now conducted entirely online. Learners have to answer MCQ exams or write essays for take-home-exams in the allocated time. In this aspect, we need to develop suitable exam questions to ensure the quality of assessment. Past studies have shown that these types of assessment are advantageous to adult learners. However, to what extent do these types of assessments influence student's performance? This study analyses the impact of online and traditional assessment on student performance. The results can be used to further improve the assessment method applied, leading to ensuring the quality of graduates in open and distance learning environments. (Abstract by authors