title: Identifying clinical learning needs using structured group feedback: first year evaluation of pre-registration nursing and midwifery degree programmes.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Facilitating and supporting clinical learning for student nurses and midwives are essential within their practice environments. Clinical placements provide unique opportunities in preparation for future roles. Understanding the experiences of first year student nurses and midwives following clinical exposures and examining the clinical facilitators and barriers can assist in maintaining and developing clinical supports.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study used a structured group feedback approach with a convenience sample of 223 first year nursing and midwifery students in one Irish university in April 2011 to ascertain feedback on the clinical aspects of their degree programme.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Approximately 200 students participated in the process. Two key clinical issues were identified by students: facilitating clinical learning and learning experiences and needs. Positive learning environments, supportive staff and increased opportunities for reflection were important issues for first year students.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The role of supportive mentoring staff in clinical practice is essential to enhance student learning. Students value reflection in practice and require more opportunities to engage during placements. More collaborative approaches are required to ensure evolving and adapting practice environments can accommodate student learning.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, Health Sciences Centre, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland. Electronic address: kathleen.frazer@ucd.ie.
authors.forename: Kate
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Frazer
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, Health Sciences Centre, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland. Electronic address: michael.connolly@ucd.ie.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Connolly
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, Health Sciences Centre, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland. Electronic address: corina.naughton@kcl.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Corina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Naughton
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, Health Sciences Centre, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland. Electronic address: veronica.kow@ucd.ie.
authors.forename: Veronica
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Kow
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003479:Curriculum; D004506:Education, Nursing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008611:Mentors; D008880:Midwifery / Q000193:education*; D020380:Needs Assessment; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D013338:Students, Nursing; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Clinical learning; Preceptors; Structured group feedback