A Comprehensive Literature Review on Unfolding Case Studies in Nursing Education

Present generation students do not prefer traditional teaching methods. Students recognize the need to be engaged in discussions to learn. Unfolding case study being one of the innovative teaching strategies can be incorporated into the nursing classrooms to bridge the theory clinical gap. With the help of unfolding case study the nursing instructor is able to bring a near real patient to the classroom enabling students to connect the relationship between different concepts. Incorporation of unfolding case studies in nursing classrooms improves the critical thinking skills and clinical reasoning skills of nursing students and prepares them to meet the challenges of delivering present health care.

Nursing faculty is at the forefront for making transitions in nursing education from instructor led classroom to student centric classrooms. In order to properly integrate unfolding case study into the classrooms nursing faculty should have a deep understanding of unfolding case study. This presentation explains what is unfolding case study and what are the advantages of using unfolding case studies in nursing classrooms based on a literature review conducted. The presentation also discusses some barriers that prevent nurse educators from adopting unfolding case study as a teaching strategy. Besides discussing barriers for the use of unfolding case study, the literature review explores the ways for integrating unfolding case studies into nursing classrooms. The difference between case study and unfolding case study is presented. Mentoring plays a significant role in empowering faculty to use unfolding case studies into the classrooms. 

With successful incorporation of unfolding case studies into nursing curriculum, newly graduated nurses would feel more confident providing care. The quality and safety in health care delivery will be promoted. Mortality rate related to medical errors will eventually decrease. Sentinel events will be reduced. Patients and family members will start to form good relationship with new grad nurses resulting in staff retention, contributing to the delivery of quality care that meet excellence.