Evaluating the effectiveness and applicability of UBL (ubiquitousbased learning) in a nursing training course for dementia care

Abstract

Background: The concept of Ubiquitous technologies has been introduced to medical education in several years, there has been limited publications, particularly in a nursing education. Purpose: This study assessed the effectiveness and the applicability of a UBL course in nursing training courses on dementia care. Materials and method: A controlled quasi-experimental study for 70 nursing students at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy were randomly selected and divided into control group with traditional teaching and research group taught by UBL. A pre-test and post-test assessed student’s knowledge (DKAT2 scale), attitude (DAS scale) and confidence (CODE scale) on dementia care were done. Results: In the DKAT2 scale and DAS scale, the intervened average score in the research group is higher control group: DKAT2: N2 = 16.86, N1 = 15.48 (p < 0.005); DAS: N2 = 102.46, N1 = 98.37 (T-test N2-N1 = 1.233, p = 0.222). In the CODE scale, the difference is non statistically significant in the two research groups and control groups (Chi- Square = 0.108, p = 0.743). Assessing the applicability of UBL in nursing training courses on dementia care, 68.6% of students rated good (Chi-Square = 4.829, p = 0.028). Conclusion: UBL contributes to improving the knowledge, perceptions, and confidence effectively of nurses students in terms of caring for patients with mental impairments. Key words: Ubiquitous-based Learning, Dementia, nursing training