Numerical measures of integration

In a previous article the authors showed how, by following the clinical careers of individual student nurses, one could paint a coherent and illuminating picture of opportunities for clinical learning on the wards. By observing and counting, and using only the simplest methods of calculation, numerical measures of comparison were constructed. Here the authors turn to the question of the integration of classroom and ward. Indices of integration between theory and practice were devised and computed for three sets of students in three different training schools (72 students in all). The results were used to answer the following questions, (a) Within each training school what was the degree of equality of educational opportunity? (b) For each hospital what is the maximum level of integration which the organization of training makes possible, and what was the actual level achieved? (c) What is the connection between the achieved levels of integration and the type of training scheme (modular, block, etc)?