EFFECTIVENESS OF SKILL STATION TRAINING ON KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF NEUROLOGICAL EXAMINATION AMONG UNDERGRADUATE NURSING STUDENTS: A QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Abstract

Purpose: The study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of a skill station programme on knowledge and practice regarding neurological examination among nursing students. Material and Methods: A quantitative research approach was adopted using a quasi-experimental one-group pre test and post-test design. The study was conducted among 30 fourth-year B.Sc. Nursing students selected through non-probability purposive sampling from selected nursing colleges of Sangli, Miraj, and Kupwad Corporation area. Students who were available during the data collection period and willing to participate were included in the study, whereas those absent during the intervention or post-test were excluded. Data were collected using a demographic proforma, a structured 41-item knowledge questionnaire, a 60-item observation checklist, and a participant record sheet. Following the pre-test assessment, a skill station programme on neurological examination was implemented. A post-test was conducted after a seven-day practice interval using the same tools. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: In the pre-test, 18 (60.00%) students had poor knowledge and 12 (40.00%) had average knowledge, whereas in the post-test all 30 (100.00%) students achieved good knowledge. The mean knowledge score increased significantly from 13.76 ± 2.37 to 35.00 ± 2.65 (t = 115.57, p = 0.000). Regarding practice, 7 (23.33%) students demonstrated inadequate skill and 23 (76.67%) had moderately adequate skill in the pre-test. Following the intervention, 17 (56.67%) students achieved adequate skill and 13 (43.33%) demonstrated moderately adequate skill. The mean practice score increased significantly from 45.23 ± 5.51 to 81.93 ± 8.21 (t = 71.96, p = 0.000). The findings indicated a highly significant improvement in both knowledge and practice after the skill station programme. Conclusion: The study concluded that the skill station programme was highly effective in improving knowledge and practice regarding neurological examination among nursing students. Therefore, skill station teaching can be incorporated into nursing education to enhance clinical competency and improve learning outcomes.