Problem based learning in mental health nursing : the students experience.

COOPER, Carol and CARVER, Neil (2012). Problem based learning in mental health nursing : the students experience. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing., 21 (2), 175-183.

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Abstract

Problem based learning (PBL) is well established within the field of health-care education for professionals worldwide, although little has been done to explore the experiences of students undertaking a PBL course in mental health nursing. Without firm evidence of the benefits of PBL, educationalists in mental health might be reluctant to view it as an option in curricula design. This UK study examined the experiences of pre-registration post-graduate mental health student nurses undertaking a 2-year educational course in which all teaching and assessment followed a PBL philosophy. Focus groups were used throughout the course to elicit in-depth qualitative data that was analysed by applying a constant comparative method. The analysis of the data uncovered the following broad themes: ‘moves to autonomy, ’surviving the groups' and ‘the impact of PBL’. The findings show that participants had mainly positive experiences and gained a range of study and interpersonal skills central to mental health nursing. Participants described initial anxieties resulting from engagement in PBL. However, they increasingly gained confidence in this approach, exercising increasing control over the PBL process. Despite this increased autonomy, participants continued to value the input of skilled facilitators. A recurring issue centred on the potential for interpersonal conflict within the student group and its impact on their learning. It is suggested that more research is needed examining the use of PBL in mental health nursing.

Item Type:	Article
Research Institute, Centre or Group - Does NOT include content added after October 2018:	Centre for Health and Social Care Research
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1447-0349.2011.00788.x
Page Range:	175-183
Depositing User:	Carol Cooper
Date Deposited:	12 Jun 2012 09:31
Last Modified:	18 Mar 2021 10:30
URI:	https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/5367

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