Case-Based Online Modules to Teach Graduate-Level Nursing Students About Complementary and Alternative Medical Therapies

Abstract

We integrated CAM-related content into selected core courses in our master’s-level curriculum. To facilitate students’ application of the content, we developed evidence-based online case studies and evaluated their effectiveness by comparing students’ pretest and posttest scores on multiple choice quizzes. Findings suggest that evidence-based online case studies are an effective strategy for teaching graduate nursing students about the clinical issues surrounding patients’ use of CAM therapies.

Achieving public and global health competencies: A teaching case study of Botswana's cervical cancer screening program

“…Consistent with the call that nurses must achieve a higher level of education and training (National Academy of Sciences, Committee on the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Initiative on the Future of Nursing, at the Institute of Medicine, ), case studies have been explored and utilized in teaching nursing students (Dutra, ; Grossman et al., ; Majeed, ; Swanson et al., ). Grossman et al.…”

“…A case study to train undergraduate students enrolled in a commu- (Dutra, 2013;Grossman et al, 2010;Majeed, 2014;Swanson et al, 2012). Grossman et al (2010) report that the use of case studies improved final examination scores and enhanced communication and decision-making skills, which translated to improved independent provision of care.…”

“…Swanson et al. () employed case studies to increase graduate level nursing students’ knowledge of complementary and alternative medical therapies (CAM) and the role of CAM in health. Another study compared nursing students who were grouped into either case study learning or lecture learning; 71% ( n = 86) of students enrolled in case study learning showed more improvement in their knowledge about the subject than those in the lecture learning group (Majeed, ).…”

“…Effective ways of teaching are needed to ensure that nurse trainees attain these competencies. The use of case studies has been frequently cited as an effective teaching and learning strategy (Dutra, 2013;Grossman, Krom, & O'Connor, 2010;Majeed, 2014;Swanson et al, 2012). This participatory teaching method engages students in active and reflective learning.…”

“…Case studies have been shown to facilitate collaborative learning through discussion and collective problem solving (Hofsten, Gustafsson, & Haggstrom, 2010) and have been used in nursing education (Dutra, 2013;Grossman et al, 2010). Swanson et al (2012) employed case studies to increase graduate level nursing students' knowledge of complementary and alternative medical therapies (CAM) and the role of CAM in health. Another study compared nursing students who were grouped into either case study learning or lecture learning; 71% (n = 86) of students enrolled in case study learning showed more improvement in their knowledge about the subject than those in the lecture learning group (Majeed, 2014).…”