Case studies and role play: learning strategies in nursing

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Adult Health Nursing

Background:

• Traditional lecture-based methods may not fully prepare nursing students for complex clinical situations.
• Integrating active learning strategies is crucial for developing critical thinking and practical skills in nursing.

Observation:

• Professors utilized case studies and role-playing in an undergraduate nursing course focused on hospitalized adults.
• These methods incorporated the epidemiological profile of chronic noncommunicable diseases and social aspects of patient care.
• Role-playing involved a dedicated practice lab space and simulated interactions between students and professors.

Findings:

• Case studies and role-playing promoted active student engagement in the learning process.
• The strategies successfully connected theoretical nursing concepts with real-world healthcare challenges.
• Students demonstrated increased initiative in seeking knowledge and applying it to clinical contexts.

Implications:

• Implementing case studies and role play can significantly improve the effectiveness of nursing education.
• These active learning approaches better prepare future nurses for the complexities of adult patient care.
• Educational institutions should consider adopting similar strategies to enhance clinical skill development.