Nursing Students’ Attitudes Toward and Satisfaction with Concept Map in Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences: A Mixed Method Study

Background: Clinical field is an important part of nursing education. Insufficiency in providing opportunities for learning practically not only gives rise to adverse consequences for students, but also affects educational programs and nursing profession. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate nursing students’ attitudes toward and satisfaction with concept map (CM). Methods: The present research is an embedded study. The qualitative stage included 18 nursing students of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences in their 6th semester who were selected through purposive sampling. Content analysis was used for data analysis. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted for data collection. The quantitative stage was implemented simultaneously with distribution of the researcher-made questionnaires among 48 students. Results: Based on findings, four categories were obtained: competency of CM method, managing and organizing measures, promoting care services, and increasing critical thinking. In the quantitative stage, data were gathered by obtaining history from parents or children; 31.2% - 68.8% agree with the quality of CM. Required information about disease was collected from parents and patient; 39.6% - 58.3% agree and 2.1% disagree. Different data from various sources (such as parents and children) were related; 43.7% - 54.2% agree and 2.1% disagree. Conclusions: Considering that nursing process is now widely used in Iran at B.Sc. and M.Sc. levels, integrating CM to nursing process can be useful in nursing education.