Development of a Web Application to Promote Competency-Based Health Professions Practice

Concurrent Session 2

Brief Abstract

We developed a competency-based Web Application (Web App) with content, learning modules, and learning activities. Next, we evaluated Web App's effectiveness using a mixed-methods approach. This presentation will discuss the process for Web App development, implementation and evaluation. Implications for competency-based education and development of future education technologies will be reviewed.

 

Presenters

Lead Presenter: Ruth Chen, McMaster University

Ruth Chen is an Associate Professor in the School of Nursing at McMaster University. She is the Assistant Dean of Academic Resources and Department Education Coordinator. Her research program focuses on the development and application of education technologies in health professional student education.

Extended Abstract

Health professional programs in Canada and abroad have begun to implement competency-based curricula to ensure graduates possess the necessary skills required in future practice environments. The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) is the provincial regulatory body for registered nurses (RNs) in Ontario, Canada, and the CNO outlines entry-to-practice (ETP) competencies expected of new graduate nurses. The purpose of this education innovation was two-fold. First, we developed a competency-based pediatric nursing Web Application (Web App) with content, learning modules, and learning activities guided by the CNO ETP competency framework. Second, we evaluated the effectiveness of the Web App using a mixed-methods approach. In this presentation, the process for Web App development, implementation and evaluation will be discussed. Implications for competency-based education and development of future education technologies will be reviewed.