The Effects of Using a Problem-solving Ability Program to Improve Problem Solving Skills in Nursing Students, Boromarajonani College of Nursing Suratthani

Abstract

The promotion of nursing students’ problem-solving abilities will influence how they can adapt in the future. The purpose of this quasi-experimental research was to compare the effectiveness of using, versus not using, a Problem-Solving Ability Program (PSAP) to promote problem solving skills among nursing students attending Boromarajonani College of Nursing Suratthani. The participants were forty-two freshmen nursing students who were randomly assigned into an experimental group (n = 21) and a control group (n = 21) by matching their ages, stress levels, and problem-solving skills levels. The experimental group participated in the PSAP, whereas the control group received the regular program. The research intervention was the PSAP and the data collection instrument was the Problem-Solving Skill Questionnaire. The PSAP consisted of 6 steps: 1) relationship and rapport-building, 2) viewing problems are challenges, 3) problems we can solve, 4) which choice is better, 5) the fighter’s choice, and 6) changing today for tomorrow. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and paired t-tests. The research results found that the mean problem-solving skill score of the experiment group after participation in the PSAP was significantly higher than the score before that, t(20) = 4.88, p < .05, d = -2.27. The mean problem-solving skill scores of the nursing students who participated in the PSAP were significantly higher than scores of the students in the control group, t(40) = 1.39, p <.05, d = 1.17. The experiment group had expected that and satisfaction towards participating in the PSAP at a high level (M = 4.41, SD = 0.48). The research results concluded that the PSAP was able to improve the problem-solving skills among the nursing students. Therefore, it should be adapted for use, especially among students with problems related to problem solving to help adjust and generate more suitable outcomes.