Learning and assessing competence in reflective practice: Student evaluation of the relative value of aspects of an integrated, interactive reflective practice syllabus.

Although the literature is rich with information on the value of reflective practice, there is a paucity of information on techniques to assess whether professionals have learnt this essential skill. In this article, we describe the introduction and evaluation of an innovative, integrated, interactive approach to teaching and assessing competence in reflective practice using an online self directed learning package. As part of a new staff start up scholarship of teaching and learning grant project in an Australian university, we converted an existing one day reflective practice workshop for undergraduate nursing students to an interactive online learning package that could also be applicable for students in other health professions.

A pilot project in distance education: nurse practitioner students' experience of personal video capture technology as an assessment method of clinical skills.

This paper reports on a pilot project aimed at exploring postgraduate distance students' experiences using personal video capture technology to complete competency assessments in physical examination. A pre-intervention survey gathered demographic data from nurse practitioner students (n=31) and measured their information communication technology fluency. Subsequently, thirteen (13) students were allocated a hand held video camera to use in their clinical setting.

The perspectives of Australian midwifery academics on barriers and enablers for simulation in midwifery education in Australia: a focus group study.

Objective: to describe Australian midwifery academics' perceptions of the current barriers and enablers for simulation in midwifery education in Australia and the potential and resources required for simulation to be increased.

Design: a series of 11 focus groups/interviews were held in all states and territories of Australia with 46 participating academics nominated by their heads of discipline from universities across the country.

Findings: three themes were identified relating to barriers to the extension of the use of simulated learning environments (SLEs) ('there are things that you can't simulate'; 'not having the appropriate resources'; and professional accreditation requirements) and three themes were identified to facilitate SLE use ('for the bits that you're not likely to see very often in clinical'; ['for students] to figure something out before [they] get to go out there and do it on the real person'; and good resources and support).

Simulation based learning in midwifery education: a systematic review.

Aim: To critically examine the evidence for simulation based learning in midwifery education.

Background: Simulated Learning Programs (SLPs) using low to high fidelity techniques are common in obstetric professionals' education and focus on the development of team work, labour and obstetric emergencies.

Review Methods: A systematic review incorporating critical appraisal approaches, setting clear objectives and a defined search and analysis strategy.

Is simulation a substitute for real life clinical experience in midwifery? A qualitative examination of perceptions of educational leaders.

This paper describes the perceptions of midwifery educational leaders concerning the potential for simulation to provide a realistic experience in midwifery education. A qualitative design was employed using focus groups which were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Simulation based learning in Australian midwifery curricula: results of a national electronic survey.

Objective: The primary aim of this paper is to describe the extent, nature and types of simulation used as a learning method in contemporary Australian midwifery curricula.

Method: An electronic survey was developed using Graduate e-Cohort Pro and administered to key midwifery academics who had responsibility for 38 curricula leading to initial midwifery registration in Australia.

Findings: Engagement of midwifery academics in the survey was high with a response rate of 82%.

Developing an Australian framework for scope of practice decisions by nurses and midwives - lessons for cross-border standards development.

Aims And Objectives: Lessons for cross-border standard development learned in the consultation to create the Australian National Framework for the Development of Decision-Making Tools for Nursing and Midwifery (National DMF).

Background: Although existing tools are broadly consistent, no cross-border or internationally accepted version exists of scope of practice decision-making guides. Development of a national framework in Australia's federated political system required commitment to wide consultation and consensus.

Collaborative voices: ongoing reflections on nursing competencies.

In a rapidly changing Australian health care environment, providers of undergraduate nursing programs are continually upgrading their assessment methods to ensure that graduates are competent and safe to practice. Competence assessment is based on the existing Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (ANMC) Competency Standards for Registered Nurses. It is acknowledged that there are issues surrounding the validity and reliability of current assessment methods, primarily due to organisational constraints both at the University and the service provider level.

"Holding the child down" for treatment in paediatric haematology: the ethical, legal and practice implications.

Very little has been written about involuntary treatment for adult patients and even less about such treatment for paediatric patients. Ethical dilemmas for nurses in such situations have not been clearly articulated and there are no clear guidelines available in this area. The following findings from a qualitative, longitudinal study on the psycho-social aspects of treatment for childhood leukaemia and related diseases are offered as preliminary work on this important professional issue.

Validating a scope of nursing practice decision-making framework.

This paper describes processes used to validate the Scope of Nursing Practice Decision-Making Framework developed and implemented by the nurse regulatory authority in Queensland, Australia. Various components of the Framework are also outlined. The validity and usefulness of the Framework were tested through survey research and validation in practice.