Effects of an online training program on cardiovascular health behavior modification on nursing students' health education competency

OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many healthcare organizations to stop the placement of undergraduate nursing students. As a result, undergraduate nursing students need the necessary training and practice to increase their competency. Therefore, effective strategies are needed to improve the effectiveness of online internships. This study aims to evaluate the impact of online cardiovascular health behavior modification training on nursing undergraduate students' health education competency and clinical decision-making perceptions using the Conceive-Design-Implement-Operate (CDIO) model. METHODS: This study utilized quasi-experimental research with a non-equivalent control group design. Nursing students undergoing internships at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China, from June 2020 to December 2021 were enrolled in this study. The participants were allocated into two groups, experimental and control groups. All participants completed a course designed to promote healthy behavior modification. The experimental group participants completed four modules through an online training course based on the CDIO model. The control group was given theoretical lectures on the same topic online. Health education competencies and clinical decision-making perceptions were assessed before and after the training. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS 28.0. RESULTS: A significant difference was observed between these two groups in their performance on the theoretical test (t = −2.291, P<0.05) and operational assessment (t = −6.415, P<0.01). The participants in the experimental group scored better than those in the control group. Post-test results indicated that students in the experimental group demonstrated significantly better health education competency (t = −3.601, P<0.01) and clinical decision-making perception (t = −3.726, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The study found that online courses based on the CDIO model are compelling. The study concluded that online classes are needed during the pandemic as it does not limit time and space. Nursing students can take their internship from anywhere as long as they can access the internet. Also, the study found that the online course was interactive and collaborative.