The role practice approach for exercise and enhancement of nursing research capacity: A qualitative study

Strategies to improve the teaching effectiveness of nursing research courses are a fundamental objective of contemporary nursing educators. The role practice method is the sum of ways, means, and procedures used to perform role-specific practical learning activities through the adaptation of concepts, models and subjective abilities in an authentic environment. This technique enhances teaching effectiveness by encouraging students to actively participate in practice.

The main aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of the role practice approach within the framework of nursing research courses and provide guidance for subsequent teaching efforts.

The purposive sampling method was used to recruit 16 students who participated in teaching of the role practice approach and completed all tasks set within the nursing research course in the third year of the undergraduate nursing program of a comprehensive university in south China. Data obtained from semi-structured interviews were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step analysis method.

Three themes were evaluated, specifically, self-improvement, self-inadequacy and course optimization.

The role practice method is effective in teaching nursing research courses and can enhance the ability of students to conduct research activities. However, deficiencies in the implementation plan exist that need further revision.