Application of the problem-based learning in the medical nursing course for baccalaureate nursing students

Objective To evaluate the effects of problem-based learning (PBL) in the medical nursing course. Methods 29 baccalaureate nursing students were selected and PBL method was employed in the medical nursing course. Self-designed questionnaire was administered to the students to evaluate the effects of PBL. The students' performances were also examined from tutors' perspective. Results Twenty-six students(89.7％)agreed that PBL was helpful to master the knowledge of viral hepatitis and promote the understanding of patients' rights. Twenty-five students (86.2％) agreed that PBL may foster their team spirit. Twenty-two students (75.9％) agreed that PBL was good to critical thinking and communication skills. Twenty-one students(72.4％)agreed that PBL helped to understand patient's psychological reaction and to improve information searching and utilization skills. However, only 12 students (41.4％) favored PBL compared to lecture-based learning.11 students(37.9％) disagreed that they had enough time and energy to prepare PBL; In the tutors' performance evaluated by students, scores for process control and the ability to facilitate discussion were relatively low, that is,18.5±2.0 and 18.5±2.1,respectively,the lowest score was both 12;In the performance evaluated by tutors, except for the score of communication skills, statistical significances were found in the total score, the score of participation, preparation, discussion and team spirit between the fiint and the second session, t value ranged from 2.18 to 4.43,P＜0.05.Conclusions PBL not only helps students to foster their multiple capabilities, but also help them learn viral hepatitis-related knowledge. Efforts should be made to help students gradually adapt to the PBL. Enough time should be ensured for students to well prepare for PBL, training for tutors should be strengthened as well