Adaptive Web-Based Technology Aiming at Improving Learning of Medication Calculation Skills for Nursing Students

Abstract

Medication calculation skills are in great demand among registered nurses. However, miscalculations are a common medication error performed by registered nurses in the clinical setting. Medication calculation errors are common causes of unintended harm to patients of all ages. Mastery of medication calculation skills is one of the tasks nursing students should achieve during their education. Outcome measures, however, indicate that for many students, accurate medication calculations are challenging to both learn and master. This justifies the need for effective learning and teaching approaches in medication calculation skills for nursing students. In recent years, interactive and dynamic learning resources in the form of technological devices and interventions have been developed and implemented to improve nursing students’ learning opportunities in medication calculation skills. Research suggests that web-based technologies can enhance learning opportunities in medication calculations. However, for students who have inadequate knowledge, opportunities, and abilities in learning, progression slows down, and more time must be spent on learning. Adaptive web-based learning technology is an emerging technology that have additional learning benefits than traditional interactive web-based learning technologies. This chapter describes the potential of adaptive web-based learning technologies to support learning of medication calculation skills.