E-Learning in Nursing and Midwifery during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Nataša Mlinar Reljić; Maja Drešček Dolinar; Gregor Štiglic; Sergej Kmetec; Zvonka Fekonja; Barbara Donik

doi:10.3390/healthcare11233094

E-Learning in Nursing and Midwifery during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Healthcare (Basel). 2023 Dec 4;11(23):3094. doi: 10.3390/healthcare11233094.

Authors

Nataša Mlinar Reljić¹, Maja Drešček Dolinar², Gregor Štiglic¹, Sergej Kmetec¹, Zvonka Fekonja¹, Barbara Donik¹

Affiliations

¹ Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Maribor, Žitna ulica 15, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia.
² Health Center Celje, Gregorčičeva ulica 5, 3000 Celje, Slovenia.

Abstract

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, e-learning has increased. This is a challenge for nursing and midwifery students, as clinical training is an essential part of their education. The aim of this review was to identify the advantages and limitations of e-learning for nursing and midwifery students during the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic review of the literature was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. The international databases PubMed, CINAHL/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect were searched. Articles were critically appraised. Thematic analysis was used to synthesise the data. The search resulted in 91 hits. Thirteen studies were included in the final analysis. Three main themes were identified: (1) the benefits of e-learning; (2) the challenges/limitations of e-learning; and (3) recommendations for e-learning. E-learning in nursing and midwifery is an effective alternative learning process during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students perceive several benefits and challenges related to internet access, technical equipment, financial aspects, and work and family commitments.

Keywords: e-learning; midwifery; nursing care; pandemic.

Publication types

Review

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.