Students' experiences with a hybrid learning environment in nursing homes: A qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Professional Development
• Geriatric Care

Background:

• Nursing homes are transitioning from task-centered to relationship-centered care models.
• This shift necessitates new educational approaches for nursing home staff.
• Hybrid learning environments integrate work and education to support this transition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore student experiences in hybrid learning settings within nursing homes.
• To understand student perceptions of relationship-centered care in these environments.
• To identify factors influencing the effectiveness of hybrid learning for care model transformation.

Main Methods:

• Exploratory qualitative study design.
• Setting: Dutch nursing home wards utilizing hybrid learning.
• Participants: Students in nurse assistant and registered nurse training programs.
• Data collection: Semi-structured interviews and focus groups.
• Data analysis: Direct content analysis.

Main Results:

• Student learning experiences were shaped by the learning process design, a disconnection between work and learning, and available learning resources.
• Students recognized the essence of relationship-centered care but noted challenges like overstaffing affecting resident interaction.
• Hybrid learning environments require further development to fully support the shift in care philosophy.

Conclusions:

• The hybrid learning environment in nursing homes is currently underdeveloped.
• Improvements in clarity of roles (work supervisor) and student awareness of learning during tasks are crucial.
• Students need enhanced support in understanding relationship-centered care and developing reflective practice skills.