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BackgroundThere is a need to change the focus of nursing education from traditional teacher-centered training programs to student-centered active methods. The integration of the two active learning techniques will improve the effectiveness of training programs. The objective of this study is to compare the effects of the integrated training (simulation and critical thinking strategies) and simulation-based training on the performance level and critical thinking ability of nursing students.MethodsThe present quasi-experimental study was performed in 2014 on 40 students who were studying practical nursing principles and skills course in the first half of the academic year in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Students were randomly divided into control (n = 20) and experimental (n = 20) groups.After training students through simulation and integrated education (simulation and critical thinking strategies), the students' critical thinking ability and performance were evaluated via the use of California Critical Thinking Ability Questionnaire B (CCTST) and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) comprising 10 stations, respectively. The external reliability of the California Critical Thinking questionnaire was reported by Case B.to be between 0.78 and 0.80 and the validity of OSCE was approved by 5 members of the faculty. Furthermore, by using Split Half method (the correlation between odd and even stations), the reliability of the test was approved with correlation coefficient of 0.66. Data were analyzed using t-test and Mann–Whitney test. A significance level of 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.ResultsThe mean scores of the experimental group performance level were higher than the mean score of the control group performance level. This difference was statistically significant and students in the experimental group in OSCE stations had significantly higher performance than the control group (P <0.001). However, the mean scores obtained for the critical thinking did not increase before and after the intervention.ConclusionThe results showed that, the students’ performance level was increased by the application of integrated training (simulation and critical thinking strategies).

BackgroundNurses as the members of health care professionals need to improve their knowledge and competencies particularly in diabetes mellitus through continuing nursing education programs. E-learning is an indirect method of training that can meet nurses’ educational needs. This study is aimed at validating a web-based diabetes education program through measurement of nurses’ knowledge and clinical competency in diabetes and nurses’ perception about its usability and quality.MethodsThis Quasi-experimental research was conducted on a single group of 31 nurses employed in hospitals affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. We used a 125 MCQ knowledge test and Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) to measure knowledge and clinical competency of nurses in diabetes before and after intervention. A Learning Management System (LMS) was designed to provide educational content in the form of 12 multimedia electronic modules, interactive tests; a forum and learning activities. Nurses were trained for two months in this system after which the post-test was administered. Each nurse completed two questionnaires for measurement of their perceptions on usability and quality. We used descriptive statistics for demographic and descriptive data analysis. Paired t-test was used to compare pre- and post-data using SPSS.ResultsThe findings showed significant differences in knowledge scores (p < 0.001), total score of clinical competencies (p < 0.001), and all ten assessed clinical competencies. The range of ratings given by participants varied on the six usability variables of Web-based training (2.96-4.23 from 5) and eight quality variables of Web-based training (3.58-4.37 from 5).ConclusionWeb-based education increased nurses’ knowledge and competencies in diabetes. They positively evaluated Web-based learning usability and quality. It is hoped that this course will have a positive clinical outcomes.

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of virtual patient‐based training on the clinical decision‐making ability of dental students. Methods This quasi‐experimental study with pretest and posttest design was conducted on 76 (2015 admitted) dental students of Shiraz Dental School in 2018–2019. The study samples were randomly divided into 2 groups: intervention (web‐based virtual patient training = 36) and control (face‐to‐face case‐based training, n = 40). The data collection tools in this study included a questionnaire consisting of 2 sections: demographic information and procedural knowledge. The key‐feature test was used to measure procedural knowledge and problem‐solving ability in students. Content validity was confirmed by 7 faculty members. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS Statistics version 23.0. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the samples, Independent‐t test was used to compare the scores between the 2 groups, and repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess the effect of time on the training provided. P < 0.05 was considered as the acceptable significance level. Results The mean clinical‐decision‐making score in the intervention group (11.3 ± 88.88) was more than the control group (8.2 ± 45.54) in Posttest 1 (1 week after intervention), and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Besides, the scores in the control group (8.2 ± 45.54) rose more significantly than the intervention group (11.3 ± 0.86) in Posttest 2 (1 month after intervention) (P < 0.001). Conclusion The results of the present research showed that application of virtual patient (VP)‐based training can improve learning and clinical decision‐making ability of dental students. Moreover, group discussions in physical classrooms should be held alongside VP programs in order to ensure the maximum retention of the topics learned.

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