University of Manchester research from January 2010.
This project involved the iterative development and application of an Enquiry-Based Learning approach in a pre-registration mental health nursing degree programme. The Enquiry-Based Learning (EBL) approach was 'blended' with a group supervision model which was intended to encourage students to reflect on their clinical practice as well as to identify explore and resolve clinical theoretical and ethical dilemmas. This model departs from the traditional model of using scenario developed by academic tutors; instead students identified their own clinical cases and brought these to a supervision group. This involved students applying their clinical knowledge previous experience and understanding of evidenced-based and practice guidelines to the identified clinical issues. Such reflective evidenced-based practice has been highlighted as an essential skill required by all qualified mental health practitioners (Department of Health 2004) To establish the most effective acceptable and feasible method of delivering this model the authors compared a face-to-face group approach with an e-learning group approach. The evaluation suggested that a hybrid model that combines the best features of both a face-to-face and e-learning approach is the preferred option for students.
