Using Interactive Video-Based Teaching to Improve Nursing Students' Ability to Provide Patient-Centered Discharge Teaching

Background: Nursing students rarely are afforded the opportunity to provide discharge teaching in the acute care environment, especially at the sophomore level. Method: Three video modules were developed that presented examples of effective and ineffective education for patients with complex chronic conditions. Students viewed modules during postconference using portable technology. A training manual that included objectives, lesson plans, evidence-based teaching points, and a discussion model guided presentation. Results: The modules were presented to 216 sophomore nursing students. Following course completion, 20 students and 10 faculty were randomly selected to participate in two focus groups. Students commented positively on the format and illustration of effective teaching. Faculty rated the teaching strategy positively and the format as easy to use. Conclusion: Interactive video modules can be used to foster patient teaching skills early in the nursing curriculum. Future studies are needed to evaluate the ability to transfer skills learned to the clinical setting.