Objectives: During the COVID-19 pandemic, educators shifted from traditional lectures to videoconferencing. This systematic review explored the use of videoconferencing as a teaching tool in response to the pandemic as well as issues related to digital equity and inclusion.
Content: The review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute for Systematic Reviews methodology and reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 statement.
Summary: A total of nine studies met eligibility criteria. The participants in the included studies were medical students from various parts of the world. Technical difficulties and lack of human interactions were identified as barriers to learning through videoconferencing.
Outlook: To achieve full success, pedagogical videoconferencing must prioritize digital equity and a universal design for learning. Although useful for maintaining education during the pandemic, in the future, videoconferencing will present challenges related to the digital divide as well as opportunities as a teaching tool for nurse educators globally.
Objectives: We aimed to synthesize research findings identifying factors associated with mental health in undergraduate nursing students early in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: Seven electronic databases were searched using key terms and subject headings. JBI Critical Appraisal Checklists were used to evaluate research report quality.
Results: Among 23 reports (19 quantitative and four qualitative) meeting inclusion criteria, negative emotional responses to COVID-19 (fear of infection, perceived risk, uncertainty about care/future), negative behavioral responses to COVID-19 (eating behaviors, problematic internet use, insomnia), and negative coping strategies were associated with more adverse mental health symptoms. Conversely, social support, professional identity, preventive behaviors, sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE), and positive coping strategies were related to fewer symptoms.
Conclusions: During a pandemic, undergraduate nursing students require educational support to promote their ability to avoid severe mental health disorders. Also, educators should strengthen students' professional identity, provide infection prevention knowledge and skills, and supply sufficient PPE.
Introduction: Emerging literature reports on the challenges faced by nursing students internationally during the pandemic as they continue their education. The aim of this mixed methods study was to examine stress, depression, and anxiety among undergraduate nursing students at a Canadian university during the pandemic.
Theoretical frameworks: Stress and coping and trauma theories informed this study.
Methods: Mixed methods included an online questionnaire composed of the Depression Anxiety Stress scales (DASS), sociodemographic data, and quality of life items with open-ended questions.
Results: Sample included 280 participants. Mean scores for depression and stress were in the mild level, for anxiety in the moderate level; 24 , 37 and 23 % of the sample had scores of severe or extremely severe for depression, anxiety, and stress respectively. Written comments reflected the impact on participants' relationships, motivation, struggles with remote learning, perceived heavy workloads, and impact on health and self-care, while some described positive experiences, including improved study habits.
Discussion: Uncertainty, isolation, sudden and ongoing changes with program delivery and a variety of psychosocial losses, helped to explain the distress many shared. The disconnect between reported levels of use of mental health services and the higher levels of mental distress raises the question of access to and use of these services.
Implications for an international audience: The importance of developing and maintaining effective coping, including a support system, and committing to healthy self-care during challenging times was reinforced.
Conclusions: This difficult time for nursing students emphasized the need to ensure attention to student well-being and mental health during their foundational educational experiences.