Ms. Nandhini Nadarajah1, Dr Siriwan Lim1, Dr Betsy Seah1
1National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
Biography:
Dr Siriwan Lim is a passionate nurse educator and researcher with specialty background in critical care. Currently serving at National University of Singapore, Dr. Siriwan brings her years of working experience in neurosurgery intensive care and her role as an Infection Control Practitioner. Her commitment to advancing nursing education and leadership has transitioned her from clinical practice to the academia. Throughout her career, Dr. Siriwan has received awards for her innovation, productivity, and teaching excellence. She also holds a joint appointment at National University Hospital of Singapore where she continues to contribute and expand her expertise in the healthcare setting.
Abstract:
Introduction
Infectious disease outbreaks pose a significant threat to global health. However, educational programs aimed at preventing and managing outbreaks remain elusive within medical and nursing curricula, presenting an emerging challenge in implementing effective infection control practices for future outbreaks. This review aims to summarize outbreak prevention and management educational programs for medical and nursing students, examining program design, content, and their impact on students’ learning outcomes and experiences.
Methods
A scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O’Malley's 5-stage framework. Articles were searched across ten electronic databases: Cochrane, CINAHL, Embase, MedNar, PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Google Scholar. Reference lists of key texts were also reviewed. Studies were appraised for quality using the MMAT and JBI tools.
Results
Thirty studies were reviewed, revealing that outbreak-related educational programs are mostly short-term. Simulation-based teaching (SBT) emerged as a less commonly used but highly effective pedagogical approach, enhancing learner satisfaction significantly. Educational content varied, with a focus on the basics of infectious diseases, epidemiology, surveillance, infection control precautions, and clinical management. Nonetheless, there is a notable deficit in practical skills development, despite improvements in knowledge and attitudes.
Conclusion
There is a critical lack of standardization in educational programs on outbreak management. Although simulation-based methods provide practical experience, they fall short in fully preparing students with necessary practical skills. These findings underscore the need for educators, policymakers, and healthcare institutions to enhance educational strategies to better prepare future healthcare professionals in managing infectious disease outbreaks.