Action learning sets in a nursing and midwifery practice learning context: A realistic evaluation

Machin, Alison and Pearson, Pauline (2014) Action learning sets in a nursing and midwifery practice learning context: A realistic evaluation. Nurse Education in Practice, 14 (4). pp. 410-416. ISSN 1471-5953

Full text not available from this repository. (Request a copy)

Abstract

Action learning sets (ALS) are used widely for organisational and workforce development, including in nursing (Anderson and Thorpe, 2004, Pounder, 2009 and Young et al., 2010). In the United Kingdom, a multi-faceted educational Pilot programme for new nurses and midwives was implemented to accelerate their clinical practice and leadership development (NHS Education Scotland, 2010). Action Learning Sets were provided for peer support and personal development. The Realistic Evaluation study reported in this paper explored issues of context, mechanism and outcome (Pawson and Tilley, 1997) influencing the action learning experiences of: programme participants (recently qualified nurses and midwives, from different practice settings); and programme supporters. A range of data were collected via: online questionnaires from 66 participants and 29 supporters; three focus groups, each comprising between eight and 10 programme participants; and one focus group with three action learning facilitators. The qualitative data pertaining to the ALS are presented in this paper. Thematic data analysis of context, mechanism and outcome configurations, generated five themes: creating and sustaining a collective learning environment; challenging constructively; collective support; the role of feedback; and effectiveness of ALS. Study outcomes suggest nursing and midwifery action learning should (a) be facilitated positively to improve participants' experience; (b) be renamed to avoid learning methodology confusion; and (c) be outcome focused to evidence impact on practice.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	action learning, nursing, midwifery, research, realistic evaluation
Subjects:	B700 Nursing B900 Others in Subjects allied to Medicine X900 Others in Education
Department:	Faculties > Health and Life Sciences > Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing
Depositing User:	Ellen Cole
Date Deposited:	13 Feb 2014 17:20
Last Modified:	12 Oct 2019 15:25
URI:	http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/15393

Downloads