Modified Use of Team-Based Learning to Teach Nursing Documentation

Abstract

Introduction: Nursing documentation is one of the main parts of clinical documentation. Poor knowledge of nurses in documentation methods could bring about problems for patients and nurses. It is very important to promote nurses' knowledge and skills in this regard through effective teaching methods. The aim of this study was to use Team-Based Learning (TBL) to teach nursing documentation for nurses. 

Methods: TBL was implemented for 20 nurses participating in a nursing documentation workshop in Qazvin, Iran, in 2015. TBL consists of three main stages. The first stage is the learners’ reading about the subject matter. The second stage is measuring the learners' knowledge about the subject matter they have studied using the Individual Readiness Assurance Test (IRAT). In the third stage, more profound learning is achieved by forming small groups and performing teamwork. Finally, participants' views and experiences about TBL were investigated using observations and interviews. 

Results: The results showed that TBL method increases transfer of information and improves intrapersonal relationships and collaboration. All nurses were satisfied with the educational content and the TBL method.  The strong points of this workshop included obtaining the viewpoints of the nurses, step-by-step integration of the contents of teamwork, consultation and active participation of all participants, high learning motivation, and creating a sense of competition. The nurses viewed TBL as a useful method to improve their reporting skills.

Conclusion: Using new teaching methods based on teamwork could bring about achievements, including improvement of intrapersonal relationships and teamwork, which are requisites of nursing in addition to facilitating the learning of educational content. It is suggested that the TBL method be used to improve teaching and to increase nurses’ skills and knowledge.