Development of a manual in nursing education: A needs assessment

Abstract

This research and development activity assessed the needs of the faculty and students needed in the preparation of the manual that would serve as reference material and teaching guide in the instruction and study of nursing education. In the needs assessment, analysis and critiquing of the materials identified by the researcher and a survey conducted among the end users were implemented. Materials identified and enumerated ranged from textbooks or references, journals, researches, publications and electronic sources. The following problems were also determined: textbooks focus on one or two topics the most; lack of a material discussing the Philippine perspective of Nursing Education; difficulty in accessing journals, researches and publications; and electronic sources though accessible, only the abstract or a section is available for viewing online. Planning, data collection and drafting activities were considered in preparing the manual. In the planning phase, needs of the faculty, students and end users were first identified; then books, references and other materials in nursing education were gathered. Topics were then listed and identified by obtaining course syllabi. Common topics and those uncommon but nevertheless relevant were also included. Selection of the topics was done in consultation with the adviser and experts. The contents of the manual were finalized by collecting data and information relevant to the concepts intended to be integrated in the manual. This integrated bibliography search, note taking, organization and arrangement were based on the initially established outline and evaluating the materials for inclusion. The last step performed was drafting, a preliminary version of a write up. To use the manual, a course syllabus was prepared and to determine its usefulness, an acceptability survey was conducted. Twenty one (21) respondents from ADPCN, CHED’s Region VI Education Supervisor, a NEA Instructor, students currently enrolled in NEA and those nurses who have taken the aforementioned subject were made to evaluate and critique the material. The survey evaluated the material as to its appropriateness for student learning or instruction. Ratings were determined on the objectives, content, organization and physical characteristics of the manual. The survey results showed that 100 percent of the respondents rated it appropriate for instruction. As to its suitability for student learning, respondents from CHED, ADPCN and NEA Instructor gave the material average rating of 2.33, while among the students 12 out of 18 (66.67 percent) identified it appropriate. Suggestions and comments were further solicited from the respondents. Recommendations such as undergoing a formal evaluation as to the format, grammar, style and presentation were mentioned. In addition, the material was commended for its in-depth coverage and comprehensiveness; however, it was also recommended that contents must be simplified and concise if used for student learning. This can be achieved as suggested by preparing a study guide or dividing the units identified into modules. Ultimately, from the needs assessment and acceptability survey, a manual that is comprehensive in scope covering the foundations and core concepts in nursing education integrating the Philippine perspective was recommended to be prepared.