Development and Testing of a Web Application to Improve Entry-to-Practice Pediatric Nursing Competencies: A Proof-of-Concept Study

Abstract

Nurse educators can design technology-enhanced learning supports to prepare graduates to meet entry-to-practice (ETP) competencies and pass licensure examinations. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a proof-of-concept web application (Web App) to facilitate understanding of ETP competencies, and to explore the Web App’s potential to improve performance on NCLEX readiness tests. We developed and evaluated the Web App in two stages. We focused on identifying important technical considerations involved in creating the Web App, developing learning content, and creating self-testing questions for learners in the Pilot phase. In the full-scale implementation phase, participants accessed the Web App content and self-testing questions and completed a study questionnaire and knowledge test; a subset of participants completed the NCLEX readiness test. Web App participants demonstrated a small-medium effect size on the knowledge test for overall score (d=0.39) and knowledge transfer (d=0.44) when compared with non-participants. There was no significant difference in performance on the NCLEX readiness test between participants and non-participants. This proof-of-concept study supported the development, implementation, and evaluation of a Web App to promote learning of ETP competencies. Future research directions include development and evaluation of technology-enhanced learning aids that align with nursing curricula and ETP competencies. Keywords: education technology, web application, competency-based education, entry-to-practice competencies