Innovative and Effective Education Strategies for Adult Learners in the Perioperative Setting

Abstract

Ongoing nursing education is vital for keeping nurses’ knowledge and skills current and promoting positive patient outcomes. Providing meaningful, quality nursing education in the perioperative setting requires the development and implementation of innovative and effective teaching strategies. Adult learning theory is complex, and it can be challenging to engage multigenerational perioperative staff members in education—often, a variety of creative teaching modalities are required to bridge the gaps among learning styles. This article reviews the use of experiential learning, various kinesthetic activities, advanced technology, microlearning, and other methods that may be helpful to overcome the challenges of providing education to adult learners in the perioperative setting. Educators should promote critical thinking and student engagement to encourage adult learners to be active participants in their continuing education.