| Literature DB >> 33982842 |
Catherine Hays1,2, Susan Devine1, Nualnong Wongtongkam2, Beverley Glass3.
Abstract
Distribution of the Australian health workforce is uneven, with the majority of health professionals favouring metropolitan areas over rural and remote regions. Although nurses account for the largest proportion of the Australian rural and remote health workforce, difficulties with staff recruitment and retention can impact the health care outcomes of these vulnerable populations. Satellite university campuses that offer undergraduate nursing programs might therefore contribute to a more sustainable rural and remote nursing workforce. This narrative literature review aimed at investigating the barriers and enablers that affect students enrolled at satellite nursing campuses, education delivery methods and academic and non-academic strategies employed to enhance the student learning experience. The literature was reviewed across 6 health and education databases. After screening, 12 articles met the inclusion criteria and were analysed, and the data were synthesised using a thematic approach. Three themes arose from the review: student characteristics and associated barriers and enablers to studying nursing at a satellite campus; teaching strategies and learning experiences; and academic and pastoral support. Students studying at satellite campuses were found to have different education experiences and faced challenges unique to their context; however, home support networks and small class sizes were seen as enabling factors. Education delivery methods and support strategies varied depending on remoteness and resources available. Consideration of the factors that affect satellite campus nursing students has the potential to increase student satisfaction and retention, which could result in a more sustainable rural and remote nursing workforce.Entities:
Keywords: nursing education; rural and remote education; rural workforce; teaching and learning; undergraduate teaching
Year: 2021 PMID: 33982842 PMCID: PMC8251963 DOI: 10.1111/ajr.12741
Source DB: PubMed Journal: Aust J Rural Health ISSN: 1038-5282 Impact factor: 1.662
Keyword search terms
| “satellite site” OR “satellite campus” OR “remote university campus” OR “remote campus” OR “remote university site” OR “remote site” OR “regional university” OR “regional site” OR “regional campus” OR “rural site” OR “rural campus” OR “Off‐campus” OR “regional college” OR “rural college” OR “small college” OR “multicampus college” OR “rural education” | AND |
| “undergraduate students” OR “university” OR “tertiary education” OR “higher education” | AND |
| Teaching OR learning OR strategies OR experiences OR opinions OR perceptions | AND |
| Nurse OR nursing OR “nursing school” |
Inclusion and exclusion criteria
| Inclusion criteria | Exclusion criteria |
|---|---|
|
All publication dates Peer‐reviewed Full‐text available Original research English language only Undergraduate nursing education Regional, rural or remote locations Satellite university campus (or related terms) |
Not peer‐reviewed Non‐Australian studies Postgraduate nursing education External or off‐campus study Metropolitan locations Study design (thesis, dissertation, literature review) |
Evidence table
| Reference | Sample | Design | Results | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birks et al | 18 satellite campus students, 155 main campus students, all undergraduate nursing | Quantitative. Comparison of satellite vs main campus students. Surveys. Mann‐Whitney | Provision of nursing education at a satellite site offers an equivalent experience to students at a main campus | Small sample size of satellite students |
| Christensen et al | 38 undergraduate nursing students | Quantitative student evaluation. 15‐item Likert‐scale questionnaire and 6 open‐ended questions. One‐way statistical analysis | Easier access to nursing‐specific and general academic and pastoral support was beneficial to students who participated in the program | Small sample size |
| Croxon & Maginnis | n/a (discussion paper) | Discussion paper. Student characteristics, characteristics of remote campus learning, university experiences | Students studying at rural campuses have different characteristics compared with regional and metropolitan areas. The student experience is also different, and students might need more support. The benefits of student retention and successful graduating nursing students can benefit their communities | |
| Felton‐Busch et al | Action research—the 8 authors were the participants | Action research design underpinned by critical Indigenous methodology. Observation/creation of a guideline for culturally appropriate mentoring circles | Students studying at remote campuses within Indigenous communities need tailor‐made support programs to assist with academic and personal issues, and culture must be considered when planning these programs | |
| Gum | 8 undergraduate nursing students | Quantitative. Online survey closed‐ and open‐ended questions | Remote students face a range of barriers and enablers for successful rural study. Includes student perceived levels of support received, preparation for practice, career goals and future employment intentions | Small sample size |
| Maginnis and Croxon | 38 undergraduate nursing students and graduates | Quantitative. Questionnaire about family, study situation and campus experience, including satisfaction with teaching quality, modes of delivery and services provided to students | Both academic and non‐academic services are important to students' learning experiences at rural campuses. Students prefer face‐to‐face lectures, and traditional university services, for example library, social activities | Small sample size |
| Mills et al | 11 undergraduate nursing students, 68 artefacts | Qualitative. Action research design underpinned by critical Indigenous methodology. A 'storyline' was developed from the artefacts, including notes, activity outcomes, worksheets, posters, interview transcripts, meeting minutes | Increased confidence, communication, able to address barriers to study. Universities in similar contexts should create culturally appropriate support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students | |
| Nugent et al | Data included from staff at 24 remote campuses in Australia | Quantitative. Survey, designed to capture no. of enrolled undergraduate nursing students, graduates and students expected to complete that year. Data analysed; frequencies calculated using SPSS | Lists several enablers for successful regional and remote nursing study | Exact number of responses unknown |
| Penman & White | 18 participants (10 mentors and 8 mentees, all undergraduate nursing students) | Open‐ended questionnaire. Student mentors and mentees evaluated a peer‐mentoring program at the university | Mentoring had a positive effect personal and professional growth of both mentees and mentors who participated | Small sample size, low response rate |
| Playford et al | 49 rural, 100 urban nursing graduates | Quantitative. Survey. Chi‐square tests using SPSS, grad numbers mapped to locations using GIS software | Comparison of rural vs. urban nursing students. Brief discussion of barriers and enablers to higher education and regional university study. Rural school nurses nearly twice as likely to work rurally upon graduation | |
| Usher et al | n/a (discussion paper) | Discussion paper. Overview of the first couple of years of the JCU nursing program on Thursday Island | Importance of providing academic support to students in a remote Indigenous community context like the Torres Strait. Culturally specific barriers and enablers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Culturally appropriate academic support strategy | |
| Wirihana et al | 21 nursing academics working at satellite campuses | Qualitative. Phenomenological study. Colaizzi's framework. One‐hour interviews | Overall, lecturers at rural campuses reported that teaching at rural campuses was a different teaching experience, based on available resource, support they provided to students and relationship with main campus |