The effect of problem-based learning on nursing students' decision making skills and styles

Abstract

Decision making skill is deemed to be a key feature of the nurse’s role in today’s health care organizations. Thus, educators should use innovative teaching strategies that grow students’ competence in problem-solving and decision making skills like problem-based learning (PBL). The aim of this study is to determine the effect of problem-based learning on nursing students' decision making skills and styles. A quasi-experimental research design was utilized. The sample consisted of 84 students from the fourth year in the Faculty of Nursing, Minia University. Two tools were used: Nursing Students’ Decision Making Skills Scale and Nursing Students’ Decision Making Style. This study revealed that the mean scores of decision making skills in the study group students increased before and after applying PBL (before: 71 + 8.5, after: 116.3 + 10.4) with a statistical significant difference (p = .001). There was no statistical significant differences between the study and control groups (p = 1.000) before intervention. The most dominant decision-making style among the study and control groups in relation to before and after applying PBL was a behavioral decision style with no statistical significant differences. This study concluded that using PBL has a curial role in developing and improving nursing students' decision making skills; however, it has no effect on decision-making style.