The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Clinical Practice Education in South Korea: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate and analyze the remote teaching methods implemented in nursing education and clinical practice during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the aim of developing post-pandemic educational strategies.

METHODS

A structured questionnaire was administered to 92 full-time nursing professors nationwide, who were responsible for clinical courses in adult nursing. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics via SPSS.

RESULTS

The majority (96.7%) of the participants implemented remote clinical practice during COVID-19. The primary teaching methods included virtual simulation programs (76.1%) and online nursing skills programs (75%). The clinical scenarios were primarily instructor-developed (63%) or drawn from virtual simulation cases (54.3%). Most professors (69.6%) modified their evaluation methods, and 85.9% reported changes in their assignment structures compared to their pre-pandemic practice.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides valuable insights into the effective remote clinical practice in nursing education, identifying specific programs and implementation considerations suitable for post-pandemic educational environments.