Measuring changes in nursing students' workplace performance following feedback encounters: A quasi-experimental study

Abstract

BackgroundWork-integrated learning and performance is intimately linked with assessment and feedback; however, empirical evidence concerning the impact of feedback on student performance in workplace settings is limited. A novel practice-based feedback intervention—the REMARK (nuRse fEedback iMplementAtion frameworRK) program—was developed and implemented. Sustainable feedback processes that involve both learners and learning partners can ultimately maximise learning outcomes, optimise self-regulation, and impact performance. ObjectivesTo determine the impact of implementing an educational intervention based on best practice principles of feedback on undergraduate nursing student performance during clinical placements in acute healthcare settings. MethodsA non-equivalent, quasi-experimental design was used. A pre- and post-assessment strategy for both control and intervention groups was employed. The REMARK program was based on known attributes of effective feedback critiqued in the literature that foster interactions between a learner and learning partner and, hence, support dialogic feedback. ResultsClinical assessment data of 214 final-year nursing students collected at three time points were analysed. Using multivariate modelling, the results indicated that students participating in the REMARK programme (intervention group) had statistically higher performance scores than students in the control group when time and placement setting were controlled. ConclusionsThis research provides evidence that engagement with an intervention based on attributes of effective feedback improves nursing students' workplace performance during clinical placement. To achieve the greatest advantage, incorporating strategies that encourage students to adopt an active role in feedback conversations that relate to the student's learning goals are recommended.