The efficacy of team-based learning in developing the generic capability of problem-solving ability and critical thinking skills in nursing education: A systematic review

Abstract

Background: The gaps between employers' expectations, theory and practice are the most prominent and universal issues in nursing education. New graduate nurses seem to be academically equipped but cannot integrate their knowledge into practice as they enter the clinical settings. Employers expressed limited critical thinking skills are a common problem among new graduate nurses.

Objectives: To examine the efficacy of team-based learning (TBL) in developing problem-solving ability and critical thinking skills among nursing students and to identify the strategies used and obstacles to TBL in nursing education.

Design: Systematic review (SR) of experimental and quasi-experimental studies.

Database sources: A thorough database search was done on 19 April 2022 with four electronic databases: Academic Search Premier, CINAHL Complete, ERIC, Medline/PubMed. Eligible studies from the 1990s to 2022 were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria of this SR.

Review methods: The PRISMA 2020 guideline was applied in this SR. The JBI Critical Appraisal Checklists were used to evaluate the quality of the selected studies. Four reviewers participated in the review process to ensure rigour and credibility of the study.

Result: The six studies reviewed included one randomised control trial, one crossover study, and four quasi-experimental studies. Two studies assessed the effectiveness of TBL in developing critical thinking skills and had shown in favour of TBL with statistically significant differences. Five studies evaluated the effectiveness of TBL in enhancing problem-solving ability. Three of five studies showed favour in TBL groups. The teaching strategies and obstacles in TBL use in nursing education were identified.

Conclusion: TBL may be considered a potential active-learner-centred approach to develop critical and problem-solving skills in nursing education. Further research is needed to identify the optimal duration of implementing TBL to develop nursing students' critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities.

Keywords: Active learner-centred approach; Critical thinking skills; Innovative active learning strategies; Nursing education; Problem-solving ability; Professional capability development; Systematic review; Team-based learning.