Factors influencing the development and use of interactive video in nursing education. A Delphi study

The purpose of this study was to identify factors impeding development and use of interactive video (IAV) in nursing education in order to specify actions that would facilitate its development and use. Nurse educators with experience in development of IAV programs were defined as the experts, and a three-round Delphi study was conducted. Study findings revealed that participants were aware of obstacles to development and were able to suggest some ways to overcome them. Subjects clearly identified content they want in IAV programs, and were especially united on applications for simulations. They agreed on benefits of IAV for students, but were less certain about how it might affect faculty roles, and were undecided about measurable advantages of IAV. Conservative predictions were made about how evolving IAV technology might change the process of nurse education in the future. To promote IAV development and use the author recommends cooperative efforts between nurse educators and developers in the business sector and an educational thrust targeted for specific groups. Moving beyond existing nursing roles and institutional models, the author makes two major suggestions: establishment of a new nursing specialist, the nurse/instructional designer, and the creation of an information center staffed by these new specialists who will design and develop programs, provide education and consultation, maintain a clearinghouse for IAV programs, research, and technology, and take a leadership role in the integration of this powerful instructional delivery system into the entire health field.