Effect of application of peer learning strategy on obstetric and gynecological nursing students' clinical performance

Abstract

Background and objective: Peer learning is an efficient educational technique for nursing students. It equips them up for their future roles as instructors, promotes their psychomotor skills, and establishes their self-esteem. The current study aims to determine the effect of application of peer learning strategy on obstetric and gynecological nursing students' clinical performance.

Methods: Quasi-experimental design was utilized. The study was carried out in the obstetric and gynecology skills lab at the Faculty of Nursing, Damanhour University, Albehera Governorate. It comprised a purposive sample of 160 undergraduate nursing students, enrolled in the Obstetric and Gynecology Nursing Department (second semester of the third year in academic year 2014-2015). They were equally randomly assigned to either one of two groups, intervention group (80) and control group (80). Three tools were used: First, a personal and academic questionnaire sheet. Second, students’ performance observational checklist. Third, student feedback and satisfaction questionnaire. 

Results: It was shown that there was a statistically significant difference in clinical performance scores concerning the five tested clinical obstetric and gynecological procedures among the intervention and control group, where the intervention group was more satisfied and have positive feedback than the control group.

Conclusions: Peer learning strategy is an efficient strategy in the improvement of nursing students’ performance than traditional learning. The study recommended that implementation of peer learning strategy in clinical setting to increase the level of students’ knowledge and clinical performance.