Computer-assisted instruction: An effective instructional method

This study provides data that support computer-assisted instruction (CAI) as an effective instructional method when teaching associate degree nursing students about congenital heart disease. Literature indicates that students learn better when they see, hear, and interact in the learning process. CAI is an instructional method that includes these elements. Implications of this include the fact that CAI can be used to teach difficult concepts to nursing students effectively and provide nursing faculty an alternative teaching strategy to lecture.     

Computer-assisted instruction for novice nurses in critical care

The current worldwide nursing shortage is having the greatest effect on the critical care areas as novice nurses enter these specialty areas in unprecedented numbers. Massive healthcare restructuring, a rapidly aging nursing work force, and high nursing turnover and absenteeism rates have all contributed to a healthcare environment that is struggling to care for critically ill patients. Computer-assisted instruction in the form of interactive computer programs may be used as an adjunct educational resource for these novice practitioners. These programs have the potential to bridge the gap between theory and practice, which may assist the novice nurse in achieving safe, competent clinical practice.     

Computer-assisted instruction in curricula of physical therapist assistants

This article compares the effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) with written, programmed instruction between two groups of physical therapist assistant students. No significant difference in the amount of material learned or retained after completion of testing using either CAI or a written, programmed text was found in this group of 16 subjects. Learning style or attitude about computers did not correlate strongly with performance after the CAI. Findings suggest that more research is needed to support decisions related to fiscal allotments for computer use in college curricula.     

Service learning: A method of instruction for community health content in nursing curriculums

Service learning methodology provides students with opportunities to apply classroom learned content in a real world setting, while offering services to the community. The Department of Nursing Education of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette incorporates service learning strategies through a clinical assignment called Community as a Client. This assignment is discussed in this article to incorporate research methodologies, evidence based practice, intervention creation and implementation based on data collection, for inclusion in nursing programs.     

Continuing education in neuroscience nursing

Since its inception in 1968 the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN) has devoted the majority of its energy and resources to establishing and maintaining excellence in continuing education (CE). Building and sustaining a program for CE is both challenging and rewarding. AANN, accredited as a provider and approver of CE in nursing by the American Nurses' Association, has awarded hundreds of contact hours to individuals and AANN chapters. It now has the authority to approve CE for any organization or individual meeting specific criteria. In order to promote ongoing growth of its CE program, and thus the knowledge of nurses caring for neuroscience patients, AANN encourages groups and individuals to provide CE and offers this article as assistance. The article defines terms, addresses components of development of CE and offers the opportunity to earn contact hours.     

Computer-assisted reinforcement of instruction: effects on adherence in adult atopic asthmatics

A randomized comparison group pretest-posttest experimental design was used to determine computer-assisted instruction effects on adherence to implementing house dust mite avoidance measures in adult atopic asthmatics. Fifty-two subjects were randomly assigned to comparison and experimental groups. The comparison group received traditional instruction in avoidance measures while the experimental group received traditional instruction supplemented by identical information provided by computer-assisted reinforcement of instruction. Adherence was measured by subjects' self-ratings and investigators' observations. Data were collected during two home visits 12 weeks apart. The computer group had significantly (p less than .05) greater adherence scores than the comparison group. The results indicate that computer-assisted reinforcement of instruction is an effective method of increasing self-care behaviors about allergen avoidance activities.     

AIDS: impact on neuroscience nursing practice

Diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) have been recognized as an integral part of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) since the beginning of the epidemic. This large patient population has both major physical problems and severe cognitive disabilities. Professional neuroscience nurses who are knowledgeable about and sensitive to the unique physical and emotional needs of these patients can best serve them. This article presents a care plan and case study with interventions for a patient with nervous system dysfunction attributed to AIDS.     

Effect size: utility and application in neuroscience nursing.

Effect size is used in single studies to complement inferential statistical analysis. It also is used to compare and synthesize data across studies in meta-analysis. Effect size provides information about clinical importance of differences found in research observations. For researchers, effect size is useful in establishing support for the theoretical framework of a story and in planning for future research. Application of effect size to data in three studies about the effects of backrest position on ICP and CPP in brain-injured adults illustrates the utility of effect size analysis in neuroscience nursing research.