Text messaging to support off-campus clinical nursing facilitators: a descriptive survey.
BACKGROUND
Managing large student cohorts can be a challenge for university academics, coordinating these units. Bachelor of Nursing programmes have the added challenge of managing multiple groups of students and clinical facilitators whilst completing clinical placement. Clear, time efficient and effective communication between coordinating academics and clinical facilitators is needed to ensure consistency between student and teaching groups and prompt management of emerging issues.


METHODS
This study used a descriptive survey to explore the use of text messaging via a mobile phone, sent from coordinating academics to off-campus clinical facilitators, as an approach to providing direction and support.


RESULTS
The response rate was 47.8% (n=22). Correlations were found between the approachability of the coordinating academic and clinical facilitator perception that, a) the coordinating academic understood issues on clinical placement (r=0.785, p<0.001), and b) being part of the teaching team (r=0.768, p<0.001). Analysis of responses to qualitative questions revealed three themes: connection, approachability and collaboration.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that use of regular text messages improves communication between coordinating academics and clinical facilitators. Findings suggest improved connection, approachability and collaboration between the coordinating academic and clinical facilitation staff.
Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, Qld 4059, Australia. Electronic address: c.howard@qut.edu.au.
Christine
C
Howard
School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Rd, Kelvin Grove, Qld 4059, Australia. Electronic address: a.fox@qut.edu.au.
Amanda R
AR
Fox
School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Rd, Kelvin Grove, Qld 4059, Australia. Electronic address: f.coyer@qut.edu.au.
Fiona
F
Coyer
D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D040421:Cell Phone; D002982:Clinical Clerkship / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004506:Education, Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005181:Faculty, Nursing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D060145:Text Messaging
Clinical facilitator; Clinical placement; Communication; SMS; Text messaging