Effect of a Web-based Decision Support System on Nursing Students’ Care Plan Preparation

Care plans are critical tools for guiding health care decisions. Integrating technology-based educational tools may enhance students’ ability to prepare these plans effectively. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a web-based decision support system on nursing students’ skills in preparing care plans. This is an experimental study. Students in the control group used traditional paper-based methods. In contrast, those in the intervention group used a web-based decision support system to develop care plans based on provided case scenarios (Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/CIN/A515). Data were collected using an inte rview form, a datasheet, a Nursing Care Plan Evaluation Case, and an N-Care evaluation form. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative data, and descriptive statistics were applied to analyze quantitative data. The experimental group achieved significantly higher care planning scores (Z = -3.041, P = .002, r = 0.475) and total scores (Z = -2.284, P = .022, r = 0.357) than the control group. Students reported positive experiences using the N-Care system and expressed interest in continued use while suggesting minor improvements. Compared to traditional teaching methods, a web-based decision support significantly improved nursing students’ ability to prepare care plans.