School of Therapeutic Sciences (ETDs)

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Browsing School of Therapeutic Sciences (ETDs) by Author "Armstrong, Sue"

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    Guidelines for the implementation of blended learning in a nursing college campus in Gauteng: a mixed methods study
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Maré, Magdalena Elizabeth; Armstrong, Sue
    The purpose of the study is to develop guidelines on how a nurse educator can best be prepared to implement blended learning in a Nursing Education Institution in Gauteng. The readiness of nursing students and nurse educators in a nursing education institution in Gauteng was determined to serve as a point of reference for the development of guidelines to support nurse educators to implement blended learning in the institution. Blended learning is the thoughtful integration of different instructional methods that contain face to face on online components. It enhances the educational experience for nursing students, preparing them to meet the challenges of modern health care and promoting lifelong learning. The methodology used was a mixed method study, combining a quantitative survey using the Blended Learning Readiness Engagement Questionnaire (BLREQ®) to determine readiness for blended learning amongst nursing students and nurse educators, and two focus groups with nursing education managers and nurse educators respectively. The focus groups were done to determine how best nurse educators can be supported to offer blended learning in the Nursing education institution. The Community of Inquiry framework was used to analyse the data from the focus groups and the data from Section C of the BLREQ®. According to the survey, both nursing students and nurse educators perceived themselves as ready for the implementation of blended learning, although there are gaps in their technical abilities and ability to navigate online environments. The qualitative data revealed that both nursing students and nurse educators need support and guidance for the implementation of blended learning. Nursing education managers expressed that nursing educators are still using traditional methods of teaching and that they need to be supported to use innovative teaching methods such as blended learning through regular skills development sessions. Nurse educators and students also indicated that they are not confident in participating in online platforms and discussions and that they need orientation and support navigating online platforms and the current learner management system. Although both nursing students and nurse educators see themselves as having the basic digital skills, they indicated a need for training in spreadsheet, presentation, and online communication software as well as collaborative cloud computing. The availability of technology infrastructure and lack of resources for the successful implementation of blended learning in the Nursing Education Institution were identified by nursing education managers, educators, and students. Guidelines were developed to assist the nursing education managers, nurse educators and students to address the gaps identified and to orientate new students and nurse educators to navigate the blended learning environment to assist them to adapt to new technologies and ways of learning and teaching
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    Private Sector Health Care Users’ Criteria for Choosing Maternity Services In A District In Mpumalanga
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Clay, Nadia Susan; Armstrong, Sue
    Currently, maternity care in the public sector in South Africa is differentiated according to the level of care required. There is also a substantial difference in resource availability between the public and private healthcare sectors. Urban area healthcare users with medical insurance have a choice of private or public sector facilities and even a choice between midwifery-led care and obstetrician led care. This will no longer be the case once the National Health Insurance (NHI) is introduced. Currently, private healthcare users in rural areas have fewer choices due to the lack of facilities. This group of healthcare users therefore has a unique understanding and experience of the quality and types of service offered in the public and private sector. Their perspective will be useful in determining the priorities for establishing equitable maternity services as envisaged by the NHI. By comparing their perspectives to those of healthcare users of the public sector maternity services, it will be possible to establish whether differences occur and, at a later stage, to start planning services that meet the needs of both the public and the private sector healthcare users. This study sought to answer the research question, “Do private sector healthcare user’s criteria for choosing a maternity service differ from those of public sector users?” A multi-method qualitative study was used. Phase 1 included a scoping review which determined the criteria used to measure patient satisfaction in the public maternity services in sub-Saharan Africa. Phase 2 of the study included semi-structured interviews of nineteen (19) women of childbearing age to determine the criteria that private sector users use when choosing a maternity service to meet their needs and aspirations. The scoping review provided the a priori codes for phase 2 of the study. Using the a priori codes from the scoping review, a template analysis was conducted in phase 2. The findings of this study indicated that all women, irrespective of social class, culture or socio-economic status have similar needs and preferences and would use those similar criteria for choosing a birthing facility, should they be given that choice. The study emphasised that women need caring, responsive midwives to be present at their birth together with a birth companion of their choice in an accessible, clean and comfortable environment