An Evidence-Based Teaching Model: PSCOT

Tuesday, 31 October 2017: 8:00 AM

Sharon Cannon, EdD, RN, ANEF
Carol Boswell, EdD, RN, CNE, ANEF, FAAN
School of Nursing, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Odessa, TX, USA

More and more nurse educators are turning to Evidence- Based Teaching (EBT) to assure positive learning outcomes. As a result, nurse educators are seeking effective models for EBT. This presentation focuses on the use of an EBT model to provide guidance for improving learning outcomes.

The EBT model (PSCOT) is similar to the much used evidence-based practice model (PICOT). PICOT is the acronym for Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome and Time. This model is focused on nursing care at the bedside. While PICOT has been more readily accepted in the practice arena, little has been put forth in the educational arena to promote the use of a model in the classroom. Thus, PSCOT as an acronym for Population, Strategy, Comparison, Outcome and Time is offered to guide nursing education. Examples and comparisons of the models will be presented along with teaching scenarios. Best teaching practices will be highlighted to grasp the significance of using an evidence-based teaching model. No longer can nurse educators teach the way they were taught. Effective models and strategies are needed to improve student learning and teaching outcomes. As a result, the PSCOT model enhances, clarifies and promotes student learning objectives and gives faculty a practical model for teaching strategies with results based on evidence. In addition, the evidence generated through use of the model is also useful for making course/curriculum decisions, especially for quality improvement activities. As can be seen, PSCOT has multiple outcomes that will assist faculty in the development of strategies for the classroom, evaluation of course and program objectives and provides valuable information for accreditation purposes. Discussion of various examples of the model will provide a foundation for discussion and use by participants based on their type of program/needs. The model is flexible and can be applied to multiple settings in a variety of programs.