Virtual Reflection Group Meetings as a Structured Active Learning Method to Enhance Perceived Competence in Critical...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Health Professions Education
• Critical Care Nursing

Background:

• Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) are crucial in critical care, requiring master's-level education in Norway.
• Traditional face-to-face reflection group (FFRG) meetings are common but present challenges like reduced clinical time and limited preceptor involvement.
• Effective learning activities are essential to develop APNs' complex decision-making and clinical competence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address challenges in FFRG meetings by implementing virtual reflection group (VRG) meetings.
• To explore the experiences of APNSs, NPs, and nurse educators with VRGs as a technology-supported active learning method.
• To assess VRGs' effectiveness in stimulating the development of APN competence in critical care.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative explorative design.
• Two focus group interviews were conducted.
• Inductive content analysis was used to analyze the data.

Main Results:

• Virtual reflection group meetings provide a better-structured active learning method.
• APNSs could spend more time in clinical practice due to the VRG format.
• APNSs and NPs reported active and effective participation, leading to perceived competence and improved learning experiences.

Conclusions:

• VRG meetings are perceived as more effective than FFRG meetings for developing APN competence in critical care.
• VRGs successfully addressed the challenges associated with FFRG meetings.
• APNSs felt better prepared for complex decision-making and leading clinical discussions, indicating enhanced analytical cognition.