Introducing the Database Software for Clinical Education Environments of the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery Affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences

Abstract:Introduction: Organizing clinical education program in nursing and midwifery is directed to optimizing students’ learning experiences. Such a systematic program consists of several elements including the environment in which education is practiced. This study aims to introduce database software for clinical education environments of the faculty of nursing and midwifery affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.Methods: In this descriptive study (performed during 2010-2013), the study population included the clinical education environments affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Data were selected through a researcher made checklist. This instrument comprised two parts including a list of the names of clinical education environments as well as a clinical education environment information list in seven categories. The tool’s main categories and related subcategories were considered as conceptual framework that further was applied to design the software. The software was designed based on Access 2010 software and finally was completed when the gathered data was entered.  Results: The clinical education environments used by different departments of faculty were identified and the data related to 126 hospital wards, 7 health centers, and 7 clinics affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences were extracted. The database software of clinical education environments of school of nursing and midwifery of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences included the information about the characteristics of clinical education environments regarding their physical situations and facilities, educational programs, evaluation programs and health care staff, the most prevalent disorders and cases of disease, independent nursing interventions, and collaborative nursing interventions. Conclusion: This software could be beneficial for educational planners and managers providing them with some needed information for matching the characteristics of educational programs with education environment.a