The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Clinical Practice Education in South Korea: A Cross-Sectional Study

TL;DR

This study explores how nursing education in South Korea adapted to remote teaching during the pandemic and suggests strategies for future use.

Contribution

The study identifies specific remote teaching methods and adaptations in nursing education during the pandemic.

Findings

Most nursing professors used virtual simulation and online skills programs for remote clinical practice.

Over two-thirds modified evaluation methods and assignment structures during the pandemic.

Instructor-developed scenarios and virtual simulations were commonly used for clinical training.

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to investigate and analyze the remote teaching methods implemented in nursing education and clinical practice during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the aim of developing post-pandemic educational strategies. Methods: A structured questionnaire was administered to 92 full-time nursing professors nationwide, who were responsible for clinical courses in adult nursing. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics via SPSS. Results: The majority (96.7%) of the participants implemented remote clinical practice during COVID-19. The primary teaching methods included virtual simulation programs (76.1%) and online nursing skills programs (75%). The clinical scenarios were primarily instructor-developed (63%) or drawn from virtual simulation cases (54.3%). Most professors (69.6%) modified their evaluation methods, and 85.9% reported changes in their assignment structures compared to their pre-pandemic practice. Conclusions: This study provides valuable insights into the effective remote clinical practice in nursing education, identifying specific programs and implementation considerations suitable for post-pandemic educational environments.