The Effects of PBL-based Health Assessment on Critical Thinking, Problem-solving Ability, and Self-directed Learning Ability of Nursing Students

Objectives This study aimed to develop and validate the effectiveness of a PBL-based health assessment practice education program for enhancing critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-directed learning skills among nursing students. Methods The study involved 48 first-year nursing students in P City, and was conducted from August to December 2021. The experimental group received the PBL-based health assessment practice education program, totaling 39 hours over 13 sessions (3 hours each). The program's impact was measured using the same questionnaire administered before and after PBL-based learning. Results Following the implementation of the PBL-based health assessment training program, critical thinking increased significantly from 3.62±0.35 to 4.06±0.67 points (t=-4.28, p<.001), problem-solving ability from 3.46±0.39 to 3.93±0.73 points (t=-3.87, p<.001), and self-directed learning ability rose significantly from 3.32±0.33 to 3.80±0.77 points (t=-3.56, p<001). Conclusions PBL-based health assessment practice education effectively enhances critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-directed learning abilities among nursing students.