Texas Nursing 2023 Issue 4

Innovate to Educate: Emerging Technologies in Nursing Education

NURSING EDUCATION has long relied on traditional learning methodologies like lectures, use of textbooks, and various hands-on clinical experiences. While these methods of delivery continue to serve as the cornerstone of nursing education, the landscape has rapidly evolved due to technological advancements. Online instruction in particular has acted as a catalyst for this transfor-

mation, significantly enhancing the role of technology in nursing curricula. This shift has not only made education more interactive but also more accessible, offering a variety of digital tools with seamless integration into existing teaching frameworks. These emerging technologies provide innovative approaches for learners to engage in clinical and interpersonal skills training, thereby modern -

izing and enriching the overall learning experience. The purpose of this article is to explore the positive impact technology has on revolutionizing nursing education, from simulation-based learning to artificial intelligence, and to highlight some ways that the University of Texas at Arlington College of Nursing and Health Innovation (CONHI) has embraced and implemented new technology.

E-LEARNING PLATFORMS

With the advent of digital tools and platforms, e-learning has become a significant part of nursing education. Numerous studies have shown that e-learning is as effective as traditional learning methods when it comes to knowledge acquisition and skill development (George et al., 2020). The flexibility offered by e-learning platforms allow learners to learn at their own pace and complete coursework asynchronously, leading to improved outcomes and increased learner satisfaction (Li et al., 2019). E-learning platforms allow for virtual delivery of content, improving access for remote learners and addressing geographic challenges (Elcullada Encarnacion, et al., 2021).

SIMULATION

One of the most significant advancements in nursing education has been the use of simulation-based learning (SBL), which provides a controlled, safe space for learners to practice clinical skills. Evidence supports SBL as a modality to improve clinical decision-making and competency, while also promoting safe practices among nursing learners preparing for licensure (Hayden et al., 2014; Mancini et al., 2019). Simulation allows for experiential learning, which enables nursing learners to apply theoretical knowledge in practice, thus making them more prepared for real-world situations.

VIRTUAL REALITY

When simulation is used to describe nursing education, manikin-based simulation or scenarios using simulated participants come to mind. However, advances in technology have expanded the possibilities. The use of virtual simulation, including screen based and virtual reality (VR) simulation, has revolutionized nursing education by providing a safe, risk-free environment for learners to practice a range of skills, from communication and prioritization to clinical procedures. At the University of Texas at Arlington CONHI, learners participate in VR simulation to learn to communicate with mental health patients, to perform assessments, and practice prioritization using multi-patient scenarios. The accessibility of these technologies has vastly

The experiential learning offered by VR not only supplements traditional education methods but also enhances the learners’ decision-making abilities, particularly in high-acuity, low frequency situations. Learner feedback has been favorable, especially in noting the opportunity to engage in clinical scenarios they may not have encountered otherwise, leading to positive outcomes.

improved the integration into online curricula, offering virtual experiences that add depth and realism benefiting remote learners. Virtual reality simulation allows learners to engage in lifelike, immersive scenarios without the fear of causing harm. Furthermore, these digital platforms offer customizable scenarios that enable learners to build competence in various situations. The experiential learning offered by VR not only supplements traditional education methods but also enhances the learners’ decision-making abilities, particularly in highacuity, low frequency situations. Learner feedback has been favorable, especially in noting the opportunity to engage in clinical scenarios they may not have encountered otherwise, leading to positive outcomes. A recent technological advancement in virtual simulation is the use of holograms (Diaz et al., 2022). A hologram is a three-dimensional (3D) image that can be displayed and interjected into a virtual scenario (Mavrikios et al., 2019). This provides the experience of interaction with a lifelike simulated patient image without the actual presence of a human, increasing realism and learner engagement.

However, the application of VR in nursing education isn’t without its challenges, such as costs for the learning platform and equipment, accessibility issues, and the learning curve for both educators and learners. Despite these hurdles, the potential benefits of VR are substantial, including its ability to augment traditional learning, facilitate

skill development, reduce cognitive load, and offer comprehensive assessment tools. As technology continues to advance, the incorporation of VR into nursing education seems not only feasible but also increasingly necessary. In addition to this, integrating game-like elements into educational systems (gamification) enhances learner engagement and promotes knowledge retention (Vrabie, 2023). Overall, as we advance further into the era of digital medicine, VR and gamification stand as promising avenues in nursing education, aiming to prepare future nurses with the skills and confidence they require for successful careers.

ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS

Incorporating the Electronic Health Record (EHR) training into nursing education is increasingly essential to prepare learners for entry to practice in today’s healthcare environment. Training with an EHR has shown to be useful teaching learners how to think critically about their nursing documentation and the effect that accurate data has on patient care outcomes (Chung and Cho, 2017). At the University of Texas at Arlington CONHI, the integration of an academic EHR will begin in the spring of 2024. Learners will be introduced to the EHR in both the didactic and simulation settings, providing experience in both documentation and analyzing patient data.

This training also boosts interdisciplinary teamwork and enhances awareness of ethical responsibilities, such as confidentiality and HIPAA compliance. While challenges like software costs and faculty training exist, the benefits of EHR education, including efficiency and reduced errors, make it a crucial of today’s nursing curricula.

TELEHEALTH

Given the increasing role of telehealth in healthcare delivery, especially post-COVID-19, telehealth training has become indispensable in nursing education. Studies by Rutledge et al. (2017) show that telehealth training is essential for improving healthcare access and quality, especially in rural settings (Rutledge et

al., 2017). Training nursing learners in this environment promotes interprofessional collaboration, a skill that is increasingly essential in today’s complex healthcare systems. Telehealth education serves as an excellent platform to teach learners about the ethical and legal considerations associated with remote healthcare, such as confidentiality, data security, and licensure across state lines. Nursing curriculums, both undergraduate and graduate, are now integrating telehealth modules to ensure that learners are well-versed in this mode of healthcare delivery. In 2021, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) included guidelines that emphasized preparing nursing learners for telehealth competencies, highlighting

its role in enhancing access to care and managing diverse patient populations (AACN, 2021).

AI can analyze individual learning patterns and adapt content delivery, accordingly, creating a tailored educational experience for each learner. Through machine learning algorithms, AI can identify weaknesses and strengths, guiding educators for individualized instruction.

Telehealth is also an important component in the field of Health Informatics. The University of Texas at Arlington offers both undergraduate and graduate certificate programs in Health Informatics. These certificate programs offer training to multiple disciplines, including nursing.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the newest emerging technology in the education environment, and nursing education is no exception. The integration of AI technology presents opportunities to enhance both teaching and learning experiences in nursing programs. AI can analyze individual learning patterns and adapt content delivery accordingly, creating a tailored educational experience for each learner. Through machine learning algorithms, AI can identify weaknesses and strengths, guiding educators for individualized instruction. AI-driven virtual simulations, including learner voice recognition and patient reaction, can offer realistic clinical scenarios that enable the learner to practice a skill in a safe environment. These scenarios can adapt in real-time, requiring learners to exercise critical thinking and make swift decisions, much

like they would in a real clinical setting. Immediate feedback from learner decisions can guide the scenario progression (De Gagne, 2023). AI can transform how we analyze medical data, diagnose, and improve patient outcomes. Software systems can use AI to automate some of the more tedious aspects of nursing education, such as grading assignments. Overall, AI is significantly impacting nursing education, providing new tools and methods to help promote learning and improve patient care. While AI promises significant advancements, concerns such as data privacy and the necessity for human oversight remain and are valid. Concerns from nurse educators over the use of AI and academic dishonesty have also been raised. Despite these challenges, there is exciting potential with the use of AI, providing both educators and learners with tools that make learning more efficient, immersive, and adaptive.

CONCLUSION

Technology is equipping nursing faculty and learners with the skills and knowledge they need to advance education and allow learners to excel in their training. As educators and institutions continue to adopt these technological advancements as formal learning tools, it becomes crucial to keep abreast of the latest research and best practices

in this area to ensure that nursing education remains both effective and relevant. The integration of technology in nursing education is not merely a trend but a necessity, given the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. However, with technology integration must come pedagogical alignment. The bottom line is we should examine the needs of the learner and employ the appropriate strategy to deliver the content in an engaging manner, with the goal being to promote engagement, knowledge retention and improve learner outcomes. It offers a multi-dimensional approach to learning that better prepares learners for the challenges and opportunities in today’s healthcare environment. Nurses should remain at the forefront of this advancement working side-by-side with other innovators, developers, and organizations, leading the change one learning tool at a time. i

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