Transitioning from direct care to virtual clinical experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

When the COVID-19 pandemic forced university campuses and healthcare agencies to temporarily suspend both undergraduate and graduate direct care educational experiences, nursing programs had to formulate alternative plans to facilitate clinical learning. Texas Woman's University used this opportunity to assemble a faculty group tasked with creating a set of college-wide guidelines for virtual simulation use as a substitution for traditional face-to-face clinical. The process included completing a needs assessment of both undergraduate and graduate level programs across three campuses and identifying regulatory requirements and limitations for clinical experiences. The task force utilized the information gathered to develop evidence-based recommendations for simulation hour equivalence ratios and compiled a list of virtual activities and products faculty could use to complete clinical experiences. Undergraduate and graduate student surveys were conducted to determine the effectiveness of the transition to virtual clinical experiences. Overall, the majority of survey results were positive regarding virtual simulation experiences providing students with valuable opportunities to enhance their learning. Negative comments regarding the impact of COVID-19 on a personal level included issues involving internet access and web conferencing logistics, lack of motivation to study, family difficulties, and faculty inexperience teaching in an online environment. Undergraduate pre-licensure students were provided with opportunities to successfully complete all remaining required clinical hours virtually, while graduate students were allowed to complete non-direct care hours as applicable using virtual clinical experiences.

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“…Furthermore, it seems appropriate to explore new methodologies. For example, Fogg et al (2020) describe how they carried out the migration process towards a virtual clinical experience that could replace traditional practices, due to the restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The students valued this initiative favorably, although they detected difficulties related to internet access, lack of motivation and the lack of experience of the teachers (Fogg et al, 2020).…”

“…For example, Fogg et al (2020) describe how they carried out the migration process towards a virtual clinical experience that could replace traditional practices, due to the restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The students valued this initiative favorably, although they detected difficulties related to internet access, lack of motivation and the lack of experience of the teachers (Fogg et al, 2020). It is very likely that this type of learning cannot replace direct contact with patients and other professionals, but it could perhaps complement learning in challenging situations, so it is worth exploring its impact on the competences acquisition of future health professionals.…”