A sample of 22 registered nurses participated in an
educational program to learn comprehensive physical
assessment skills. This study investigated the effects
of that program on their nursing practice. Administration
of tests and questionnaires provided a measure
of the: (a) use of physical assessment skills; (b)
knowledge of physical assessment; (c) changes in
nursing practice since learning the skills; (d)
barriers to the use of the skills.
The model used for the program's curriculum development
was adult learning theory. The curriculum focused on
this theory's key aspects. Namely, adult students
build new skills on their past knowledge and already
developed skills. Additionally, they must see the
relevance of learning the skills and be able to apply
them in their current life situation. The findings
suggest this model was appropriate.
The nurses in the study used the majority of learned
skills after they completed the program. Their
knowledge concerning these skills also showed
dramatic improvement.
The major findings regarding the increase in knowledge
and use of physical assessment skills, positive changes
in nursing practice and lack of barriers to the use of
skills indicate that an educational program in physical
assessment can be very beneficial to nurses. The
results support those of previous studies in that
nurses will use the physical assessment skills they
have learned in continuing education programs.
The implications for nursing practice and education
were discussed. Suggestions were then made for future
research in this area.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/219280 |
| Date | January 1989 |
| Creators | Reaby, Linda Lewis, n/a |
| Publisher | University of Canberra. Education |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | ), Copyright Linda Lewis Reaby |
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