Original Contribution IMPLEMENTING INTERACTIVE METHODS OF TEACHING IN TRAINING OF NURSES AT TRAKIA UNIVERSITY, BULGARIA – AN EMPIRICAL STUDY

The social and economic changes and the ongoing health care reform in Bulgaria demand new professionalism of nurses. The undergraduate education is challenged to produce a new kind of nurse. Innovative methods of teaching are needed for achieving this goal. Purpose: Aim of the study is to analyse the impact of implementing interactive methods of teaching on the knowledge, attitude and behaviour of the first-year students in nursing. Methods: The target group consists of 66 students at The Medical college of Haskovo- Trakia University, Bulgaria. Time of the investigation was the 2004/2005 academic year. A direct group inquiry and direct observation were applied. The results were statistically analysed by the means of the statistical packages SPSS v. 10 and Microsoft Excel 97. Results: Most of the students (89%) expressed a positive attitude to the innovative methods that have been applied. Their communication and problem-solving skills were significantly improved especially their ethical behaviour – respecting patient’s autonomy (75%) and keeping the confidentiality and trust when communicating with patient. Conclusion: Interactive methods increase activity and motivation of the students to apply their knowledge in a creative way on the basis of proper professional attitude and humanistic behaviour