Impact of Flipped Classroom and Problem-Based Learning on Nursing Students' Patient Safety Competencies

Patient safety is a critical responsibility for nurses, with an estimated 421 million hospitalizations annually worldwide and approximately 7.42 million adverse events occurring during these stays. Alarmingly, patient harm ranks as the 14th leading cause of global mortality. Nursing education faces the challenge of equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure safe patient care. Traditional teaching methods often fall short in fostering clinical decision-making abilities and self-directed learning, which are essential for addressing patient safety issues effectively.

To bridge this gap, many universities are exploring innovative teaching methodologies. Among these, the flipped classroom model combined with Problem-Based Learning (PBL) shows promise. In the flipped classroom approach, students review course materials before class, allowing in-class time to be dedicated to interactive activities that deepen understanding. Studies indicate that this model enhances academic performance, student satisfaction, and higher-order thinking skills. PBL, on the other hand, improves clinical performance and critical thinking by engaging students in real-world problem-solving scenarios.

This study investigates the effectiveness of combining flipped classroom methods with PBL in a nursing management course. The research aims to evaluate how these integrated approaches influence nursing students' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of patient safety. Participants will be divided into two groups: a control group receiving traditional didactic instruction and an experimental group undergoing the flipped classroom and PBL intervention. Outcomes will be measured using tools like the H-PEPSS TR scale, Patient Safety Competency Self-Assessment Tool, and case tests.

The findings could provide valuable insights into optimizing nursing education to better prepare students for the complexities of patient safety. By fostering a more engaging and interactive learning environment, this combined approach may ultimately contribute to reducing medical errors and improving patient outcomes.