Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of undergraduate nursing education centered on community-based integrated nursing by comparing the level of understanding and practice of community-based integrated nursing between students with (University A) and without (Universities B and C) reinforcement of such educational initiatives, and to discuss future challenges facing undergraduate nursing education. A self-administered four-point evaluation survey was conducted on students newly enrolled in Universities A, B, and C in 2015. A survey consisting of 15 items on “understanding” was implemented at the end of the 1st and 4th year, and a survey consisting of 12 items on “practice” was implemented at the end of the 4th year. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test, as well as residual analysis. Regarding “understanding,” of the 11 items with no significant differences among 1st-year students, the proportion of 4th-year students who responded that they were competent was significantly higher in University A in six items. Regarding “practice”, the proportion of 4th-year students who responded that they were competent was significantly higher in University A in four items. Self-evaluation of “life skills” and “outpatient nursing” was low for all respondents. The results suggest a beneficial outcome of education centered on community-based integrated nursing. An improved curriculum designed to foster life skills and outpatient nursing practice will be required in the future.
