Evaluation of a Comprehensive international web based educational program for Nursing Students During the COVID 19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted nursing education in developing and
developed countries. In response to pandemic-related challenges such as campus shut downs, nursing schools
implemented open and distance learning programs (ODL) that allowed them to continue offering nursing
education. This paper reports on an ODL patient safety course implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic that
was also used to facilitate an international, cross-cultural learning experience.
Method: Forty undergraduate senior nursing students in the United States (U.S.) and the Dominican Republic
(D.R.) enrolled in a synchronous and asynchronous ODL nursing patient safety course implemented by [Blinded]
in conjunction with [Blinded].
Results: Thirty-seven students completed all of the program requirements. The majority of students rated their
course experience highly; they agreed or strongly agreed with all course evaluation statements, including whether
their overall course evaluation was positive (95%) and whether the curriculum was culturally appropriate (97%).
Conclusions: Our experience in implementing a nursing patient safety ODL course can serve as a model for (1)
how ODL can help nursing schools respond to restrictions imposed by an ongoing pandemic; (2) how ODL can be
used to enhance cross-cultural nursing education; and (3) how nursing schools can collaborate effectively across
borders.