An Innovative Concept-Based Learning Activity to Identify and Educate Veterans at Risk for Amputation

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Health Care Systems
• Patient Education

Background:

• Nurse educators face challenges in aligning curriculum with evolving healthcare demands.
• Academic-practice partnerships are crucial for bridging the gap between education and current clinical practices.
• Healthcare systems require innovative educational strategies to address specific patient needs, such as high amputation rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement a concept-based learning activity for nursing students.
• To assess and educate patients at risk for amputation within a healthcare system.
• To evaluate the impact of the academic-practice partnership on student learning and patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Faculty from a school of nursing collaborated with a healthcare institution.
• A concept-based learning activity was designed to target patients at risk for amputation.
• The activity focused on patient assessment and education strategies.

Main Results:

• The learning activity led to increased knowledge and application skills for nursing students.
• Student learning was transferable to other clinical practice settings.
• The healthcare system observed improved patient outcomes related to amputation prevention.

Conclusions:

• Concept-based learning activities within academic-practice partnerships can effectively address specific healthcare system needs.
• Such collaborations enhance student preparedness for contemporary healthcare challenges.
• This model demonstrates potential for improving patient care and reducing adverse outcomes like amputation.