Pre-registration clinical skills development and curriculum change

This article outlines and offers an overview of the process of curriculum change and the development and integration of clinical skills. The focus on clinical skills in the essential skills clusters annexe set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council requires innovative strategies in theoretical aspects of the nursing programme to be identified. Based on the constructivist philosophy of curriculum design and in light of the ever-changing healthcare environment, a blended-learning approach was developed for the delivery of clinical skills. Key aspects such as learning styles, pedagogical approaches to online learning and facilitation were taken into consideration. A model of e-learning, facilitated sessions (face to face) and reflection was adopted for clinical skills acquisition in the programme. Although positive feedback was given about the online work, sessions and space for reflection, it was clear that further preparation of both lecturers and students for this cultural shift in teaching and learning would have aided this process.