Competency-Based Virtual Clinical Practicum in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic: A Quality Improvement Project

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Quality Improvement
• Virtual Learning Environments

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated innovative approaches to clinical education.
• Traditional in-person practicums for Wound, Ostomy, Continence (WOC) nursing present logistical challenges.
• Maintaining high-quality training for WOC nurses is crucial for patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a high-quality virtual clinical practicum (VCP) for WOC Nurse learners and faculty preceptors.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of a 100% simulation-based VCP during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To disseminate findings on the utility of VCP in WOC nursing education.

Main Methods:

• A competency-based VCP utilizing the Competency Outcomes and Performance Assessment (COPA) model was implemented.
• Learners engaged in virtual labs, prepared instructional documents/videos, and attended live virtual competency assessments.
• Evaluations included open-ended questions, 5-point Likert scale surveys from 296 learners, and faculty preceptor feedback.

Main Results:

• Learner and faculty preceptor feedback indicated positive outcomes for the VCP.
• Certification examination pass rates improved: wound care by 16%, ostomy care by 18%, and continence care by 13%.
• The VCP demonstrated success in meeting practicum requirements through simulation.

Conclusions:

• The virtual clinical practicum (VCP) provides a viable and effective option for WOC nurse education.
• VCP reduces barriers associated with traditional in-person practicums.
• This simulation-based approach enhances learner competency and positively impacts certification success.