Exploring the Use of an Electronic Competency Assessment Document Using iPad Minis to Assess Clinical Practice Competency in a Preregistration Nursing Program: A Cross-sectional Feasibility Study.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of using iPad minis as a method of completing competency assessment in clinical practice. Digital technology helps to revolutionize all aspects of our lives. The use of digital technologies in clinical practice can facilitate a move toward a more flexible learning environment and enable students to adapt in a rapidly changing, interconnected world. The introduction of electronic clinical booklets in practice placements could facilitate the sharing of clinical information through connected healthcare systems, thus improving the student experience. A cross-sectional design was used in this study. A sample of BSc nursing students (n = 53) and clinically based healthcare professionals (n = 27) (preceptors and clinical placement coordinators) participated in this study. Data were collected using a modified version of Garrett and colleagues' instrument, the System Usability Scale, a demographics questionnaire, and three open-ended questions. There was a significant difference between the students and preceptors/clinical placement coordinators across all items with higher proportions of students (ranging from 66% to 75.5%), indicating that they agreed or strongly agreed with the reliability, ease of use, and effectiveness of the device in assessing their clinical competency (ranging from 11.1% to 40.7%). In addition, the iPad minis were found to be smaller, lighter, and easier to carry than paper-based booklets and encouraged students to access timely online learning resources during placement to help augment their learning. The use of iPad mini to complete the electronic competency assessment document as a replacement for a paper-based system to assess clinical practice is feasible. The introduction of electronic assessment documents should incorporate a robust training plan and standard operating procedures.