Need For Curriculum Research Articles

Research on the Development of Folk Music in Music Education of Higher Education

This study examines the development of ethnic music education in Chinese higher education, focusing on its current status, challenges, and strategies for improvement. It underscores the importance of ethnic music education in preserving cultural heritage, enhancing musical literacy, and promoting multicultural understanding. Through an analysis of curricula, teaching methods, faculty development, technology integration, and campus cultural activities, the study suggests a comprehensive approach to strengthening ethnic music programs. Key findings include the need for curricula that balance theory and practice, innovative teaching methods (e.g., the master-apprentice model and immersive technologies), and a faculty skilled in both academia and traditional music. The study also highlights the role of modern technology in preserving and sharing ethnic music, as well as the value of diverse campus activities to boost student engagement and cultural awareness. Challenges include curriculum standardization, maintaining authenticity in modern education, and resource limitations. The study concludes that overcoming these challenges requires collaboration between educational institutions, policymakers, and cultural practitioners. Implementing the proposed strategies will help preserve and evolve China’s ethnic musical traditions while preparing students for a globalized cultural landscape.

Students' AI-generated Images: Impact on Motivation, Learning and, Satisfaction

In the contemporary society where the rapid development of generative AI (GenAI) infiltrate daily life, it is imperative for schools to keep up with the development. Future generations are expected to have GenAI skills and knowledge in the same way that traditional literacy is a recruitment condition today. School curricula need to integrate this new technology to support students' learning and development. Research on artificial in education (AIED) has reported on the challenges with the involvement of GenAI in teaching and learning, but also on GenAi as a study support. To not fall behind many schools have started out with AIED initiatives which creates a need for studying how GenAI could be applied in a useful way in teaching and learning activities. The research question that guided this study was: In what ways could the use of GAI in visual form support students' learning process and motivation in upper secondary school settings? The overall research strategy was a qualitative case study approach with investigator triangulation. Data were collected in a combination of observations at workshop sessions and semi-structured interviews. with teachers as well as students. In a six-step inductive thematic analysis data excerpts were coded, aggregated to categories, and presented. Findings indicate that GenAI tools for image generation, can have a positive effect on learning. At the same time that memorisation of information is supported, there were also a positive impact on motivation and student satisfaction. The involvement of image generation tools not a substitute, but rather a complement to traditional teaching and learning activities. The conclusion is that the use of AI in education can offer new learning opportunities, and with the increased use of GenAI, it is crucial for both students and teachers to keep pace. However, this would require that more time and resources for teacher professional development on AIED.

Primary care in rural areas: a qualitative study on medical students’ images and experiences of working in rural areas in southern Germany

BackgroundRural areas are increasingly moving back into the focus of social research, especially in the context of health care. As the shortage of general practitioners (GP) in rural areas is a significant challenge in Germany, there are several programs to counteract underuse effectively, acutely, and sustainably. One of those programs is ’Beste Landpartie Allgemeinmedizin’ (BeLA), which was developed to strengthen primary care in rural areas and to sustainably promote young doctors to work as general practitioners in rural regions through didactical and financial support. The program includes an accompanying qualitative study exploring the motivational structures of medical students from a sociological perspective. For this study, the nexus of working in rural areas from the perspective of medical students with different forms of rural experiences was of interest.MethodsQualitative interviews have been conducted at regular intervals on an ongoing basis since 2020 to investigate motivational retention effects during the program. The current 33 interviews were analysed using the sociological conceptual framework of spatial methods.ResultsThe images and experiences of working in rural areas condition medical education in various ways. In addition to general images of living and working in rural areas in a biographical dimension, the idea of working as a GP in rural areas includes images of specific medical competencies and is conditioned by different medical tasks. From such a perspective, the images and attributions of working in primary care in a rural region demonstrate particularities, challenges, and the potential attractiveness of working in rural regions.DiscussionThe images and experiences of rural areas condition medical education in various ways and shape the expectations and the decision-making of possibly working in rural areas. The particularities, opportunities, and challenges of working in rural areas, which relate to both professional aspects and social life, are a major factor in the attractiveness of a potential rural practice. Didactical and educational curricula need to adapt the various attributions of working in rural areas.

General surgery resident robotic training curriculum: evaluation six years after implementation.

The surge of robotic surgery over the last decade emphasizes the need for a robotics curriculum during general surgery residency. We hypothesized that the implementation of a robotic surgery resident training curriculum would have a positive impact on the general surgery residency experience during and post-graduation. Current post-graduate year 1 through 5 residents and previously graduated residents were surveyed regarding their robotic curriculum experience during residency and post-graduation. Additionally, ACGME operative case were analyzed to determine robotic case volume and to compare two different time periods of the robotics curriculum: July 2017-June 2020 (early) and January 2022-June 2023 (late). Among current residents (n = 44), 19 (43%) responded to the survey regarding their robotic curriculum experience, and 17 (89%) were satisfied with the curriculum. Of the graduated residents (n = 33), 25 (75%) responded to the survey, of which 24 (96%) felt the curriculum prepared them for their future practice. Regarding ACGME case logs, 1,091 robotic cases were performed by current residents, compared to 352 cases between 2017 and 2020. The case averages by PGY-level significantly increased 3.1 times from the early (70.4 cases per PGY level) to the late time period (218.2 cases per PGY level) (p = 0.024). Overall, our robotics curriculum has had a positive impact on resident training. Current and graduated residents are satisfied with the curriculum; there has also been significant growth in the operative case volume. This study suggests that a robotic training curriculum has value during residency and in clinical practice.

The Shift to Online Psychotherapy: Adaptation and Implications for Brazilian Clinical Psychologists Amid Covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted traditional psychotherapy practices, prompting a rapid transition to online modalities. This qualitative study investigates how Brazilian clinical psychologists adapted to online psychotherapy during and after the pandemic. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five psychologists, each with an average professional experience of 8.9 years. Using the Iramuteq software for lexical analysis, six thematic classes were identified: uncertainties during the transition, emerging possibilities, adaptability movements, pandemic context, new professional perspectives, and academic and professional trajectories. The findings highlight significant challenges, including managing technological tools, maintaining therapeutic relationships, and addressing client concerns in virtual settings. However, the transition also revealed notable advantages, such as reduced operational costs, enhanced flexibility, and expanded access to psychological care. The analysis underscores the critical role of digital competencies, including technical, communicational, and cultural skills, in ensuring effective online therapy. Additionally, the results point to gaps in academic training and professional preparation for telepsychology, emphasizing the need for curriculum reform to include digital literacy and teletherapy-specific strategies. The study concludes that online psychotherapy represents not only a response to crisis but also a sustainable model for expanding access to mental health care. It calls for targeted professional development and ethical guidelines to support psychologists in navigating digital environments effectively. These insights contribute to understanding the evolving dynamics of psychotherapy and provide actionable recommendations for improving digital mental health services in Brazil and beyond.

A Systematic Review to Explore the Role of Industry and Regulators on Minimally Invasive Aesthetics Education: A Tale of Two Cities.

The aesthetic medicine industry has seen significant growth due to technological advancements and increasing demand for minimally invasive procedures. This sector's influence on educational institutions is profound, often shaping curricula to align with industry standards. However, this focus can sometimes narrow educational scope, potentially compromising the broader intellectual and ethical development of medical professionals. This study employs a comprehensive literature review to examine the influence of the aesthetic medicine industry on medical education. A systematic search was conducted across academic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, focusing on articles published between January 2003 and December 2023. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies examining the impact of industry on medical education, financial relationships, ethical implications, and student outcomes. Out of 279 studies identified, 21 met the inclusion criteria. The analysis highlighted themes such as the need for a balanced curriculum integrating both theoretical and practical training, the impact of financial incentives on educational integrity, and the importance of ethical guidelines. The literature underscores the necessity for standardised curricula and enhanced regulatory oversight to ensure comprehensive and unbiased education. The aesthetic medicine industry's significant influence on medical education necessitates a balanced approach that integrates industry advancements with ethical and comprehensive educational practices. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration between academic institutions and industry partners, alongside stringent regulatory oversight. By ensuring educational integrity and fostering holistic training, the field can produce well-rounded professionals capable of ethical and effective practice in aesthetic medicine. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Challenges and Strategies for the Sustainable Architectural Education in the Context of Post-Urbanization and Climate Change

The transformation of urbanization patterns due to the pandemic and climate change have significantly reshaped construction market demands, presenting substantial challenges to current architectural education (AE) models. In order to address these challenges and propose effective reform strategies, this study utilizes questionnaires and expert interviews to gather perspectives from architecture students and professionals in a Chinese university. The findings highlight three main issues in AE: (1) misalignment between talent development stages and educational goals; (2) slow updates to curriculum content, leading to lagging behind the needs of times; and (3) inadequate integration of curriculum design with practical application, coupled with excessively lengthy academic programs. To address these challenges, the study proposes the strategies: (1) adopting multi-objective and multi-track approaches for educational goals; (2) reducing length of programs and implementing flexible academic structures; and (3) developing curricula that integrate knowledge with practice. This research offers valuable insights for reforming architectural education within the framework of sustainable development, emphasizing the need for educational goals, curriculum, and cultivation system to evolve to meet the demands of modern practice and development.

Sustainable Education for Sustainable Heritage: Managing the Tension Between Professional Practice and Critical Inquiry

ABSTRACT This paper reflects on Uppsala University’s experiences from organizing higher education in conservation, and argues how curricula can be rethought and reorganized to foster a genuine shift towards sustainable education. It discusses various experiences of developing and planning interdisciplinary higher education programs in conservation and how curricula can be transformed to broaden the sustainability competence of future heritage professionals. We need to foster heritage professionals that are capable of exploiting the dynamic and negotiated nature of heritage for the good of society. By embracing change and loss there are opportunities to use heritage in more benign and sustainable ways. But there are profound differences between how heritage and its role in society are understood in conservation as a field of practice and as a field of inquiry. Based on the experience from Uppsala University, the authors argue that there is a need for a conservation curriculum in higher education that balances and integrates normative competence and critical inquiry: a middle path, where opposing perspectives can thrive in parallel.

Being phished and reporting phishing emails: emotional and knowledge antecedents and training gaps

ABSTRACT Research on phishing, a prevalent cybercrime, has not addressed which dispositional and knowledge antecedents are related to reporting suspicious emails to their organizations and has provided limited attention to emotions as a predictor of being phished. Our prospective design involved two phases where employees and students at a university (N = 538) first completed a survey and then, after 1 month, were sent three phishing emails spaced weeks apart without their knowledge. Trained members were more likely to have knowledge about safe URLs and this accurate knowledge was associated with a lower rate of being phished and a higher rate of reporting phishing emails. Untrained members had a higher rate of clicking on links and a lower rate of reporting suspicious emails than recently trained members, though training efficacy dissipates over time. Members with high generalized anxiety were more likely to click on links and less likely to report phishing emails, suggesting a gap in training curriculum. High avoidant cognitive styles were less likely to report phishing emails, and these styles are more prevalent among those with high anxiety. Policies and training curriculum need to address anxiety to create a stronger defense against phishing and hacking attacks.

Proceed with Caution! Trigger Warnings in Online Book-related Information Grounds

Online book-related communities serve as information grounds where individuals gather to recommend and discuss reading material of interest to them. The information flow within these groups often evolves to include the sharing and receiving of warnings about content that some readers may find distressing or triggering. Although intended to be helpful, the sharing of trigger warnings could lead to a reader’s decision to avoid content that may elicit trauma responses, resulting in a forfeiture of the potentially therapeutic benefits of such content. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the role of trigger warnings within online book-related information grounds. This pilot study seeks to explore the upward trend of trigger warning usage by utilizing text analysis to determine the frequency at which GoodReads users include trigger warnings in their book reviews. By shedding light on the prevalence of trigger warnings in platforms like GoodReads, these early findings suggest that while newer titles in the sample contain 20 times more trigger warnings than older titles, the presence of trigger warning in reviews of classics has also been steadily increasing in the last five years. These results serve to initiate broader conversations about the impact of trigger warnings in book-related virtual information grounds, the need for curriculum on trauma informed LIS practices in iSchools, and implications regarding readers’ advisory and collection development in library settings.

Beyond the Language: Arabic Language Textbooks in Arab–Palestinian Society as Tools for Developing Social–Emotional Skills

Social–emotional learning (SEL) is recognized as an important component of the educational system, significantly impacting student success. This study aims to examine how Arabic language textbooks used in Arab elementary schools in Israel serve as tools for developing social–emotional skills, beyond their role in language instruction. Using a content analysis and semiological analysis on nine ‘Arabic Our Language’ textbooks for Grades 1 to 6, the findings revealed that all categories of social–emotional skills defined by CASEL were represented, but with an imbalance in their prevalence. Interpersonal relationship skills were the most frequent, while social awareness was the least represented, despite its importance in the Israeli context, which is the context in which this study takes place. Additionally, lower grades (1–3) showed a lack of SEL content compared to higher grades (4–6), even though an early integration of these skills is more effective. Furthermore, the SEL content did not always align with the fundamental principles for optimal implementation. This study emphasizes the need for curricula and textbooks in Arabic language education that are adapted to each developmental stage and tailored to the Israeli socio-cultural context. The findings underscore the critical role of Arabic language textbooks in fostering a holistic educational experience, preparing students for both academic and social success, and serve as a call to action for curriculum designers and textbook authors to integrate social–emotional learning in linguistic educational materials.

Preparing Adaptive Graduates, Islamic and Professional in the Era Society 5.0

Abstract. The evolution of Society 5.0, characterized by advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), necessitates that Islamic higher education institutions adapt to these changes. General Background: The Faculty of Islamic Studies at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo (UMSIDA) aims to produce graduates who possess both Islamic values and professional competencies, particularly in AI. Knowledge Gap: However, there is a lack of curricula that effectively integrate AI with ethical considerations rooted in Islamic teachings. Aims: This paper proposes a development plan to enhance curricula, faculty competencies, and the responsible integration of AI. Results: The findings emphasize the need for graduates to collaborate effectively with AI while maintaining ethical standards. Novelty: This study introduces a strategic vision for 2032, focusing on innovative curriculum design and faculty development in line with Islamic principles. Implications: By equipping graduates with the necessary skills and ethical awareness, this framework ensures the relevance of Islamic education in a technologically advanced society, preparing them for future challenges with integrity and competence. Highlights: Curriculum Integration: Emphasizes the need for curricula that blend AI skills with Islamic ethical teachings. Graduate Competence: Aims to prepare graduates for collaboration with AI technologies while upholding professional integrity. Strategic Vision: Proposes a framework for 2032 focused on innovation and adaptability in Islamic higher education. Keywords: Profesional, Islamic Value, Adaptation, Era Society 5.0, Artificial Intelligence, Curriculum Development

Transition From Graduate Medical Education to Independent Practice: A Scoping Review.

This study examines the gaps in early career physician readiness for independent practice after graduating from their final graduate medical education (GME) program. The authors conducted a literature search of 4 online databases (PubMed, Scopus, Health Business Elite, and Education Resources Information Center) using the following terms: population terms (GME, fellow, resident, and others), early career terms (onboarding, hiring, early career, ready, and others), readiness terms (readiness, preparedness, knowledge, skills, competence), and independence terms (attending, physician, independent practice). The databases were searched on March 12, 2024, for articles that explored GME graduate gaps in readiness for independent practice; assessment tools, curricula, or curricular need aimed at gaps in early career physician readiness; or an area where GME graduates need more knowledge and skills. They extracted specific gaps in preparedness and categorized them using existing competency frameworks. The search returned 116 articles addressing gaps in preparedness for independent practice among recent GME graduates. Surgery yielded more articles than any other specialty (43 [37%]). Overall, 192 individual gaps were extracted; the greatest number of gaps came from patient care (75 [39%]) followed by personal and professional development (44 [23%]). The most frequently identified gaps were procedural independence (10 occurrences), practice management (9 occurrences), and billing (7 occurrences). Despite advances in GME, learners still struggle when transitioning to independent practice. Personal and professional development is a useful categorization for many gaps and should be considered for inclusion as a GME competency. Systematic assessment of new-to-practice attendings could help stakeholders better understand the true outcomes of GME programs. Concerted investment by specialty societies may drive greater understanding and innovative solutions. Additional study could help address the challenges in the GME-to-practice transition.

International students and social work education: a scoping review

ABSTRACT With increasing numbers of international students across the globe, it is essential that social work education continually adapts and innovates in ways that are inclusive of and responsive to this diverse group of students. Innovations in social work education with international students requires an understanding of the existing perspectives and knowledge base. This scoping review investigates published peer-reviewed articles written in English from January 2003-March 2023 on international students’ experiences of entry-to-practice social work courses. Twenty-four relevant articles are reviewed, with the majority examining experiences of students located in Australia. Prominent in the reviewed articles are discussions about the impacts of cultural and language differences, as well as the impacts of international students’ knowledge of local systems on their educational and everyday experiences. Findings highlight the need for the social work curriculum to promote diverse perspectives and ways of learning, and to effectively leverage students’ and educators’ knowledge of international systems. Evident is also the need for more strengths-based practice and research, for better understand and promote the diverse strengths and contributions that international students bring to their social work communities.

The Impact of a Student-Taught Point-of-Care Ultrasound Workshop on Confidence in Medical and Pre-Medical Students

Background: The vast utilization of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) across medical specialties has increased the need for enhanced undergraduate medical education in image acquisition and interpretation among medical students. However, challenges such as the need for a standardized medical school curriculum and limited trained faculty preceptors restrict its implementation. The literature highlights the potential of student-taught POCUS workshops in expanding access and enhancing learning. This study seeks to evaluate the efficacy of a student-run POCUS workshop for medical and pre-medical students. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional study assessed the efficacy of first and second-year medical students teaching a POCUS workshop on the Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) exam. Student workshop participants were asked to complete pre- and post-workshop surveys to assess their confidence in utilizing POCUS and identifying relevant organs and landmarks. Surveys employed a standardized five-point Likert Scale. Results: Of the 43 initial participants, 29 completed both surveys. Results showed a significant increase in self-reported ultrasound experience (1.7 to 3.2, p < 0.001) and confidence in performing the FAST exam and organ identification (2.2-fold increase, p < 0.001). Both medical and pre-medical student cohorts exhibited similar confidence improvements in confidence. Conclusion: This study supports the literature that student-taught POCUS programs may be a viable adjunct to an institution's ultrasound curriculum. Implementing medical student-led workshops could help address current training gaps, enhance students' teaching and leadership skills, and improve confidence in utilizing and interpreting ultrasound images.

Adapting accounting education to evolving business paradigm-an Indian perspective

PurposeThis study examines the need for an accounting curriculum to evolve in response to the changing business landscape. Specifically, this study aims to explore the relationship between various market forces, the shifting dynamics of business, and the importance of adapting accounting education to these changes.Design/methodology/approachThis study is a combination of both quantitative and qualitative research. A structured questionnaire was administered to 320 professionals to gather data, and the study employed descriptive analysis, one-sample t-tests, and structured equation modeling to analyze the relationship between the variables.FindingsThe findings reveal a strong correlation between business transformation and the imperative to adapt accounting education. This study emphasizes the significance of modifying accounting curricula to align with the current market trends. Furthermore, this study addresses the pressing concern of sustainability and the triple bottom line (TBL), advocating specialized education in sustainability accounting programs.Research limitations/implicationsDespite its contributions, this study acknowledges a limitation in its focus solely on the perceptions of professionals and academicians regarding the impact of business transformation on accounting education, without directly examining the prevailing accounting education system. Future research should address this limitation by undertaking a qualitative exploration of the actual accounting education landscape and market requirements.Practical implicationsThe implications of the study span the theoretical, regulatory, environmental, and social domains, stressing the need for educational institutions, regulatory bodies, and industry to collaborate in shaping competent and future-ready accounting professionals. A systematic approach would validate and extend the findings of this study, providing deeper insights into the transformative processes necessary to enhance accounting education in response to evolving business landscapes and environmental dynamics.Originality/valueThe outcome of the study assists educational institutions and regulatory bodies in framing policies to adapt accounting education to the evolving business landscape by updating the accounting curriculum as per the changes in the market forces to make graduates relevant and competent.

A National Survey to Assess Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning Curricular Needs in Pediatrics Residency Programs

ObjectiveDespite incremental increases in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) health education, there are no uniform training requirements in graduate medical education and the extent to which pediatrics residency programs incorporate LGBTQ+ curricula remains unknown. We aimed to assess the current state of LGBTQ+ health education in pediatrics residency programs. MethodsWe surveyed all 202 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited categorical pediatrics program directors (PDs) in the United States. PDs were contacted via the Association for Pediatrics Program Directors (APPD) listserv with a link to an anonymous electronic survey. ResultsWe had a 53.4% response rate (107/202) with representation from all regions, sizes, and settings. Only 7.5% of programs have robust LGBTQ+ curricula, but many (71%) offer some sessions. About half (54.2%) believe their residents are not at all or somewhat prepared to care for LGBTQ+ patients after training. Many PDs are not at all or somewhat confident their residents learn about gender affirming care (49.5%) or are aware of community resources for LGBTQ+ youth (54.2%). In 91% of programs, 0–25% of faculty educate trainees about LGBTQ+ health. The majority (74.8%) of PDs are very or moderately likely to implement a standardized LGBTQ+ health curriculum. The most prominent barriers were inadequate time (55.1%) and lack of faculty training (51.4%). ConclusionMany pediatrics programs have implemented some LGBTQ+ health education; however, PDs lack confidence in residents’ abilities to independently care for LGBTQ+ youth after training. An accessible and standardized curriculum is not only needed but desired by programs.

A support framework to facilitate social learning and integration skills of first-year undergraduate medical students

Background. Limited research exists on medical students’ coping and adjustment skills, especially in the South African context. Stakeholders planning medical curricula need to be aware of emotional and communication skills that allow students to cope and adjust to stress associated with transitioning to medical studies. Objective. To design a support framework to facilitate first-year undergraduate medical students’ social learning and integration skills. Methods. This descriptive qualitative case study used multiple data collection methods, nominal group meetings and Delphi questionnaires to explore and understand undergraduate medical students’ challenges with social learning and integration factors. These insights were then used to develop the support framework. Results. The support framework articulates levels of engagement and actions required to address social learning and integrated factors, namely under- preparedness, peer support, confidence, self-management, alienation and academic advice. Conclusion. Implementing the proposed support framework on social learning and integration could facilitate the successful transition of first-year undergraduate medical students from high school to university. This framework aids students in dealing with social learning and integrated factors, such as under-preparedness, peer support, confidence, self-management and alienation as well as academic advice using contextualised and appropriate skills and tools.

Beyond the curriculum: A gay medical student's perceptions of health sciences education and healthcare access in KwaZulu-Natal.

The prevailing social constructs of cis-heteronormativity and endosexism have structurally marginalised sexual and gender minorities, leading to their limited representation and inclusion in mainstream health systems and health sciences education. The study aimed to explore a gay medical student's perceptions of the health sciences curriculum and their experiences in accessing and utilising healthcare services offered both by the university and externally. At a university in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This study originates from a larger qualitative study conducted in 2018, involving 12 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT)-identifying participants who were selected using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The larger study used a case study approach to explore how healthcare services meet the sexual health needs of LGBT youth. Among the 12 sampled participants, one participant self-identified as 'gay' and was pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. This participant was specifically selected for analysis in this study because of their knowledge of health sciences education and pursuit of a career in healthcare. Three themes were identified in the participant's interview, including: (1) navigating healthcare services as a young gay man, (2) silenced voices: the impact of the limited Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Asexual and + (LGBTIQA+) health education, and (3) challenging the silenced voices. There is a need for a well-planned curriculum that includes LGBTIQA+ issues to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge to provide high-quality care to all patients, regardless of their sex, gender, or sexuality. The study provides solid proposals for developing an inclusive healthcare curriculum that considers identities beyond binary going forward.

Educational approach for public health ethics in nursing: Focusing on COVID-19.

Background: With the increasing ethical challenges and dilemmas faced by nurses due to various disasters such as COVID-19 worldwide, there is a need for a new public health ethics education curriculum to strengthen competencies for ethical responses in the nursing field. Objectives: This study was aimed to identify the impact of a teaching method utilizing news articles and panel discussion material in the public health ethics education program on nursing students' thinking regarding ethical issues. Design: This was an exploratory study to identify the thinking styles inherent in ethical reflection by analyzing the reflection contents written by nursing students using text mining techniques. Participants: 73 among the students taking a nursing ethics course at a university in Seoul, South Korea, voluntarily participated in this study after providing informed consent. Methods: The public health ethics program was conducted with sessions held once a week for a total of 7 weeks, and reflections written by nursing students were collected as text files during session 5 to 7. In this study, data preprocessing process, keyword analysis, and LDA topic modeling were sequentially conducted utilizing the R program according to the data analysis procedure of text mining techniques. Ethical considerations: This study was conducted under ethics approval from the institution where participants were recruited. Findings and discussion: The results of this study show that the teaching method utilizing news articles enhanced rational ethical deliberation from the cognitive aspect, whereas the teaching method utilizing panel discussion material strengthened the response to emotions on a more internal level. Conclusions: The teaching method utilizing news articles and panel discussion materials in public health ethics education is expected to be mutually complementary and effective, so further studies are recommended.