Exploratory research of nursing distance education model under the epidemic situation of COVID-19

Objective To explore the nursing distance education model under the epidemic situation of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and challenges of teachers and students so as to bring forth a proposal for future nursing education model reform. Methods The mixed research was used with methods of questionnaire survey and interview. In February 2020, we investigated the distance learning conditions and needs among 922 nursing undergraduates in School of Nursing, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. Qualitative research of phenomenology was used to carry out semi-structured and in-depth interview among 14 nursing teachers. Data analysis was implemented with the method of Colaizzi phenomenological analysis. Results Among 922 nursing undergraduates, 95.99% of them could learn on line normally on the public platform, but there were still some students in mountain area limited by network conditions; 97.18% of them accepted the nursing distance education model proposed by our school. Qualitative interview of teachers extracted two themes, the key element to implement nursing distance education and challenges, inspiration of epidemic situation to nursing education reform. Conclusions In distance education model, teachers face challenges of idea, technology and resource; students are influenced by study habits, online learning ability and objective environment. In future, we can make a reform in the aspects of teachers, educational content and form, educational resources and platforms, education management. Key words: Students, nursing; Corona virus disease 2019; Epidemic situation; Education, distance; Nursing; Mixed research