Effects of a multifaceted neurological assessment educational program in nursing students: A randomized crossover study

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to verify the effects of a multifaceted neurological assessment educational program on neurological assessment-related knowledge, skills, communication ability and self-efficacy in nursing students. Background: Nurses should be equipped with optimal neurological assessment competency to ensure quality care for patients with neurological symptoms. Design: This study involved a waitlist control group with a randomized crossover design. Methods: Fourth-year nursing students were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 28) or a waitlist control group (n = 27). Pre- and post-intervention differences in neurological assessment knowledge, skills, communication ability and self-efficacy between the intervention and the waitlist control group were analyzed using generalized estimated equations. Results: The nursing students in the intervention group showed significantly improved knowledge, skills, communication ability and self-efficacy scores compared with those in the waitlist control group. Scores related to knowledge, skills and communication ability were maintained and self-efficacy scores had further increased at 2 weeks after the educational program in the intervention group. Conclusions: Our multifaceted neurological assessment educational program is useful for improving nursing students' knowledge, skills, communication ability and self-efficacy. © 2022 Elsevier Ltd