Teaching caregiver care to advanced practice nurses: The intersection of technology, online support communities and social capital

Abstract

Aim: The primary goal of this study was to pioneer the role of clinicians learning from online patient communities as a situated learning discussion board activity. Methods: Online patient support groups provide a novel approach for providing situated learning experiences for advanced practice students enrolled in distance education programs. This study examined the pedagogy of incorporating an online patient support group forum into a situated learning Discussion Board activity for nurse practitioner students. Curated conversations from Smart Patients TM were used to teach a cohort of Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner students how to provide care for caregivers and to recognize signs of caregiver stress. Results: The integration of an online support community to support active learning in a nursing distance education program demonstrated the role and connection between patient-centered care, caregiver care, technology and virtual patient support groups. Conclusion: The integration of an online support community to support active learning in an advanced practice nursing distance education program demonstrated the role and connection between patient-centered care, caregiver care, technology and virtual patient support groups.