Reaching consensus for core concepts of human bioscience that support study of pathophysiology and introductory pharmacology: A modified Delphi study

Patricia Logan, Judith Anderson, Jennifer Cox, Judith Salvage-Jones, Elspeth Hillman, David van Reyk, Amy N.B. Johnston

Research output: Other contribution to conferenceAbstractpeer-review

Abstract

Background There is evidence of a progression slump for nursing students moving from level 1 human bioscience to level 2 pathophysiology and pharmacology courses. Surface learning techniques are reinforced for those entering directly to level 2 with recognised prior learning due to an increased cognitive load associated with foundational science revision. In order to develop a website of revision resources that targeted key areas necessary for the study of pathophysiology and pharmacology, we set out to identify necessary core concepts that assist students with foundational knowledge and help them self-identify revision needs. Aim and Method Develop a checklist of core concepts for nursing student self-determination of revision needs. A modified Delphi consensus process was undertaken utilising two face-to-face meetings and email communication between team members. The team consisted of seven tertiary academics teaching pre-registration nursing students with a combined experience of more than 70 years. The team included four Registered Nurses and five scientists (all held PhDs). The consensus process began with a draft tool created for a pilot program undertaken in 2014 (Logan & Cox, 2015). Results A detailed checklist of 101 human bioscience core concepts was finalised after five rounds of communication. A further nine concepts relating to transition of understandings from normal biology to aberrant function and drug intervention were added. Conclusion The tool highlights level 1 human bioscience key core concepts necessary for successful study of level 2 pathophysiology and pharmacology. It alerts students with advanced standing, who are 1st year university students enrolled directly to 2nd year subjects, to the discipline language they may have forgotten and enables self-determination of revision needs. It will be utilised on the BioScienceEssentials2BRN website dedicated to facilitating the Enrolled Nurse’s transition from vocational to university study.
Original languageEnglish
Pages52-53
Number of pages2
Publication statusPublished - 2017

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