Factors contributing to students’ satisfaction with direct observation of procedural skills in the school of nursing sciences at the University of Zambia

Direct observation of procedural skills is an evidence-based assessment tool used for assessing competence in the practical procedures that nursing students undertake during clinical placement. Having knowledge about students’ satisfaction with their educational issues is very important as it helps both faculty and students to achieve educational goals. However factors that may influence student satisfaction with this method of assessment are not known in the school of nursing sciences at the University of Zambia. The purpose of this study was to investigate factors influencing student satisfaction with direct observation of procedural skills in order to get students views on this assessment tool. A cross sectional quantitative survey was used on ninety two (92) conveniently sampled final year undergraduate nursing students. Data were collected using a validated self-reported questionnaire and analysed using IBM SPSS Version 20. Fisher’s exact tests were used to determine association between student satisfaction and the independent variables. A p-value of ≤ .05 was considered statistically significant. Major findings revealed that poor clinical environment 98.9% and faculty non availability 98% influenced student’s satisfaction negatively. Other significant associations where clinical experiences, and feedback, with p ≤ .05. In conclusion, the major factors that influenced student satisfaction included poor clinical environment which was not conducive for assessments as it lacked many essential medical surgical supplies and non-availability of faculty in the clinical area who were needed to provide feedback, guidance and supervision to the students. Improving the clinical environment, ensuring faculty availability in order to provide timely and constructive feedback may help students achieve their learning objectives. Direct observation of procedural skills still remains an appropriate tool to assess student clinical competence. However, further research and development of cheap, less stressful and economic methods of clinical evaluation to blend with this tool is required in the school of nursing sciences.