Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Academic-Practice Partnerships: Implications for Nursing Education

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected academic-practice partnerships in multiple ways. This article examines how the pandemic affected partnerships at one college of nursing.

A survey on the effects of COVID-19 on academic-practice partnerships was sent to all faculty (n = 228). Data were analyzed using a mixed-method approach.

Of 69 surveys that were completed, 38 faculty reported 52 unique partnerships during the 2019-2020 academic year. Of the 52 partnerships, 63% (n = 33) had changed and 12% (n = 6) were newly established partnerships in response to COVID-19. Common changes included temporary suspension of activities (n = 13) and a change (n = 9) or decrease (n = 7) in activities. Major themes included clinical disruptions and transitioning to telehealth and online services.

COVID-19 created challenges for academic-practice partnerships but also generated opportunities for nursing education to contribute to the pandemic response and meet evolving population and organizational needs. [.