Using Toolkits to Improve Students' Skills in Advocacy

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Patient Advocacy
• Healthcare Quality

Background:

• Advocacy is a core nursing responsibility crucial for patient safety and care quality.
• Nurses often hesitate to speak up due to various barriers, impacting patient outcomes.
• Developing effective advocacy skills is essential for nursing practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a toolkit to enhance advocacy skills in baccalaureate nursing students.
• To improve nursing students' confidence and competence in patient advocacy.
• To bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application of advocacy skills.

Main Methods:

• A toolkit incorporating web-based learning modules and standardized patient simulation was developed.
• Baccalaureate nursing students participated in the educational intervention over four semesters.
• Student perceptions of the toolkit's efficacy were collected and used for iterative improvement.

Main Results:

• 131 students participated in the study across four semesters.
• 87% of students reported improved understanding of advocacy skills.
• 97% utilized critical thinking, and 94% practiced advocacy skills through the toolkit.

Conclusions:

• The toolkit effectively promoted the development of nursing students' advocacy skills in a safe learning environment.
• Simulation and educational modules can successfully enhance essential advocacy competencies.
• This approach helps prepare future nurses to overcome barriers and effectively advocate for patients.