Student faculty committee: A quality improvement and engagement strategy in nursing education

Abstract

BackgroundThe purpose of this initiative was to address limitations of established continuous quality improvement (CQI) strategies in a nursing program, engage students in the process, and implement real time change. MethodsThe Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) process was utilized by an ad hoc student faculty CQI committee. After two years of activity, several collaborative changes were implemented, and a survey was presented to stakeholders. ResultsA thematic analysis revealed several themes regarding the perceived impacts the committee has had on the nursing program: personal and professional impacts (program improvement, improved communication, student empowerment, and improved student satisfaction), facilitators to participation (relationships, desire to participate in CQI, and desire to improve communication), and barriers to participation (no barriers, lack of awareness, competing priorities, closed membership, and fear of retaliation). ConclusionsStudent involvement in a CQI program can have a positive impact on the teaching and learning experience.