8. An exploratory study to review students communication skills in admitting patients, using a reflective model (333)

Anita Maestri-Banks, Senire Lecturer, School of Nursing and Primary Care Practice, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
Co authors: Sandra Tollick & Gaynor Crighton
A.M.Maestri-Banks@ljmu.ac.uk

Abstract:

Background:

This exploratory study is of great benefit to teaching and clinical practice, as it looks at one way to reduce the practice theory gap. The need to look at alternative ways of teaching student nurses is paramount in an ever changing and diverse society. Patients need and demand to be listened to and valued and students need to learn these skills in different settings. This study could be the precursor to other research which looks at the effectiveness of communication on the quality of patient care, and the importance of students learning environment. In addition, it develops the research skills of a clinical member of staff and enhances their research skills, therefore enabling them to use these skills in the future in clinical practice and become more effective teachers in the clinical area.

Aims & methods:

This exploratory study aims to review communication skills used in admitting patients and whether the students benefit from being taught in the clinical area. A reflective model adapted from Gibbs’ reflective cycle (1988) will be used to facilitate students learning. It will be used to identify how students communicate with patients when admitting them to the ward. A simple post tutorial evaluation questionnaire will be given to all students who have attended this intervention. They will be asked to complete the form after admitting another patient. This will measure the effectiveness of the tutorial on students learning. The outcome of the study will be two fold, in that nursing students’ will improve their skill of assessing patients and we will be able to see if the students benefited from learning in their clinical area.

Results & discussion:

This study will be completed in January 2008 and the results presented at the conference.

Biography:

I am a senior lecturer at LJMU. I have trained as a nurse(London)and my degree and Masters are in Psychology. I have several years of experience in nursing in different specialities and have been a researcher and taught at several different educational institutions.