Effectiveness of reflective journaling on clinical decision-making skills among nursing students

Abstract

Introduction: Clinical decision-making is a critical skill for nursing students, influencing patient outcomes and professional competence. Reflective journaling, a structured method of self-reflection, enhance this skill by promoting critical thinking and self-awareness. This quasi-experimental study examines the effectiveness of reflective journaling on nursing students' clinical decision-making abilities. Objectives: 1.To assess the effectiveness of reflective journaling on clinical decision-making skills.2. To compare decision-making abilities between students who use reflective journaling and those who do not. Materials and Methods:Quasi Experimental research design is used for the study.40BSc Nursing students who met inclusion criteria were selected conveniently and allotted in both experimental(n=20) and control group(n=20). Clinical decision making in nursing scale (CDMNS)was used to measure the clinical decision-making skill. Students in the intervention group maintained a daily reflective journal for 6 weeks. The control group continue with their regular training without journaling. After 6 weeks, CDMNS was re-administered to both groups. Results: The study revealed there was a significant difference (p