Improving aged care education for Australian rural nurses using problem-based learning.

BACKGROUND: A continuing education program in aged care was developed using the principles of problem-based learning (PBL) to improve the participating nurses' understanding of current government guidelines on aged care, to develop their ability to apply this information to their workplace situations, and to give them the confidence and strategies to initiate change in their workplaces. The use of a guided introduction to PBL and the use of journals were important components in the design of this program. METHOD: Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used to evaluate the program, and data collected through observation of the participants when working on case scenarios, journal writing, and pre-questionnaires and post-questionnaires were included. Fifteen nurses participated in the program. RESULTS: Participants developed a holistic approach to aged care, reflected on their practice in the journals, developed an understanding of the current aged care guidelines, and acquired the skills, strategies, and motivation to make changes in their workplaces. CONCLUSION: PBL enabled the nurses to link theory with practice, not only through the case scenarios considered in the program, but also when reflecting on their work practices in their journals. The use of journals by participants and the guided introduction to the PBL approach were important factors in the Aged Care Program's success.