Does an Immediate Life Support (ILS) course enhance clinical practice? The students' perceptions

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Medical Simulation
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Final year nursing students require robust skills for managing deteriorating patients.
• The Immediate Life Support (ILS) course is a potential tool for enhancing these essential competencies.
• Assessing the ILS course's impact on student preparedness is crucial for improving patient care transitions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the Immediate Life Support (ILS) course in preparing final year adult branch nursing students.
• To determine if the ILS course enhances students' ability to assess and manage deteriorating patients.
• To explore the impact of the ILS course on student confidence and transition to registered nurse practice.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive study design was employed.
• Quantitative data collected via a 30-point Likert scale questionnaire from final year adult branch nursing students.
• Qualitative data gathered through an open-ended comment box.

Main Results:

• An 84% response rate (n=149) was achieved.
• Strong positive endorsement of the ILS course within the nursing program.
• Students reported ILS knowledge and skills as highly useful, enhancing clinical practice and confidence.

Conclusions:

• The ILS course is a valuable component of the final year adult nursing curriculum.
• The ILS course equips students with essential skills for recognizing and managing deteriorating patients.
• The ILS course positively influences the transition from student to registered nurse, potentially improving patient care.