Changes to teaching and learning about medication administration within a diploma of nursing course due to the Covid-19 pandemic: A staff and student multi-method evaluation

AIM: This project aimed to evaluate student and staff satisfaction with, and perspectives on, changes to delivery and format of the Medication Unit of Competency within a Diploma of Nursing Program. BACKGROUND: Medication safety is an integral component of learning for pre-registration nursing students. The COVID-19 pandemic required rapid changes to be made to the medication competency unit being taught to students within a Diploma of Nursing, pre-registration course. Changes to sequencing of theory, mode of education delivery, class sizes, available resources and learning support were required. DESIGN: A multi-method evaluation process was conducted. The project is reported as per SQUIRE-EDU guidelines. METHODS: Focus groups and survey data were obtained from staff and students in December 2020, to evaluate responses to the changes. Student exam results and the number of learning support consultations accessed were also assessed to identify impact of changes. RESULTS: Staff and student evaluation identified mixed responses but overall, the change in sequence of theory and mode of delivery was positively received. Crude comparisons of final assessment results revealed improved marks compared to the previous cohort. The addition of an online medication resource was utilised by most students. The agility of staff in responding to the challenges was highlighted in the staff focus group and additional, flexible learning support was favourably received by students. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the need for rapid changes being made to the course, positive responses were received from both staff and students. Some students preferred the traditional sequencing of learning as they felt it matched their learning style. An added online resource and extra learning support supported student self-efficacy development of medication competency; however further research is needed to ascertain any associations. The online resource is still being utilised within course curriculum.