# 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.

## Key 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.