Solutions to bridge the theory-practice gap in nursing education in the UAE: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background The theoretical knowledge of nursing underpins the practice, while the practice environment determines the circumstances within which the theoretical knowledge is applied. The biggest challenge facing nursing as an academic field is the theory-practice gap, which is a universal issue in nursing. This study aimed to raise solutions to close the gap between theory and practice in nursing education through the eyes of nursing students in UAE. Methods A qualitative descriptive approach was followed; whereby 25 Emirati nursing students were interviewed. Results Two main themes are discussed in this study: ‘Clinical Culture Creation’ and ‘Curriculum Content Reformation’. The students suggested to decreased the loud and stress on their clinical educators. They also suggested creating synchronization between what is taught in classrooms and labs and what is offered in the clinical training. Moreover, some of the students expected to have more benefit if they get their clinical training in health institutions owned by their college. On the other side, many of the participants suggested to move from the integration system to the block system. Another interesting suggestion includes having the same college staff to teach the theory and the clinical. The final suggestion includes decreasing the paper work during clinical training. Conclusions This study explored the solutions to bridge the theory-practice gap in nursing education in the UAE. The study has implications for nursing education and practice within the UAE and is imperative for graduating workplace ready professional nurses within the country.

Patient safety culture as perceived by operating room professionals: a mixed-methods study

“…In addition, and to help bridge the gap between theory and practice, we recommend the use of clinical simulation. Indeed, there is a growing body of research that supports the idea that simulated experiences can offer an engaging teaching method to reinforce and evaluate competence in practical skills, critical thinking and decision-making through the use of knowledge, promoting a connection between theory and practice [ 40 , 41 ].…”

Development and psychometric evaluation of nurses’ perception towards the gap between knowledge and practice

“…The knowledge–practice gap is significant for in the field of nursing field because theoretical knowledge guides and supports nursing practice, which provides the best patient care possible and maximizes patient safety based on rigorous scientific evidence (Saifan et al., 2021 ). Furthermore, evidence‐based practice improves the patient experience and increases patient satisfaction (Carlone & Igbirieh, 2014 ; Skaggs et al, 2018 ).…”

Perceptions of the Nursing Students and Academic Staff on College Recruitment Policies in the UAE

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Background: Higher education in field of Nursing in the United Arab Emirates faces many challenges regarding the increasing number of nursing students at the Baccalaureate level in nursing programs, which in fact, is a similar situation in all parts of the world (Saifan et al, 2021; Wollin & Fairweather, 2012. Method: This qualitative research is intended to discover the perceptions of UAE nursing undergraduate students, along with their teaching faculty, regarding the recruitment policies within the nursing colleges of the UAE.

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