Keywords

collaboration, intraprofessional collaboration, nursing education, patient education, peer-assisted learning

 

Authors

  1. George, Tracy P. DNP, RN, APRN-BC, CNE
  2. Murphy, Pamela Ford PhD, MBA
  3. DeCristofaro, Claire MD
  4. Hucks, J. Marty MN, APRN-BC, CNE

Abstract

Background: Teamwork is an important factor in the provision of high-quality health care. There is a lack of research on collaboration between nursing students at different program levels.

 

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to determine student perceptions about collaborative learning activities between prelicensure BSN and MSN students.

 

Methods: Community assessments by BSN students identified health needs and issues for 6 underserved populations. Online MSN students used these assessments to create low-literacy patient education pamphlets. In turn, BSN students provided educational sessions at community sites using the pamphlets. Both groups completed presurveys and postsurveys assessing their perceptions of collaborative learning.

 

Results: There were statistically significant differences between the respondent groups for 3 survey questions about how this project helped prepare them for future practice and professional collaboration. Eight qualitative themes were identified.

 

Conclusion: Although desiring more face-to-face interaction between groups, students reported that collaboration was important.