BNU's presentation at Sigma 7th Biennial European Region Conference

Earlier this year, Senior Lecturers Ruth Trout and Fiona Chalk joined Sam Crowe, Executive Editor at McGraw Hill publishers to present a poster at the Sigma 7th Biennial European Region Conference in Bournemouth.

This prestigious nursing conference welcomed 300 delegates from all around Europe and the rest of the world. The busy programme was packed with speakers and research from the UK, Europe, US and Israel. There were around 150 concurrent sessions and 50 poster presentations. Keynote speakers included Maggie Langins, Nursing and Midwifery Policy Advisor, from the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Office for Europe and Joanne Bosanquet MBE, Chief Executive, Foundation of Nursing Studies.

The poster presentation discussed the development and evaluation of a bespoke e-book designed specifically for the MSc and BSc (Hons) Professional Practice in Healthcare students at BNU. It utilised a publisher specific Custom/Create tool which offers the ability to create a custom textbook or e-Book tailored to the course syllabus. It uses content from McGraw Hill and Open University Press's resources combined with content from the Programme Leads. The platform offers the publisher a low-risk/low cost opportunity with high potential for benefits; of partnering with HEI's and gaining insights into student requirements and preferences.

The e-book was compiled using carefully selected chapters from four high quality resources published by McGraw Hill to provide a one-stop academic skills resource targeted towards CPD Healthcare Professioanl students. It includes -

• Introduction - Fiona Chalk and Ruth Trout
• Learning about learning: why is it important to know how to learn? (Moutrey, 2020)
• Making sense of essay and academic writing (Moutrey, 2020)
• Reflection & reflective practice (Moutrey, 2020)
• What is 'critical thinking' and why is it important? (Aveyard, Sharp and Wooliams, 2015)
• What is evidence-based practice? (Aveyard and Sharp, 2017)
• Being more critical: finding the 'best available' evidence (Aveyard, Sharp and Wooliams, 2015)
• Paradigms of research (Denscombe, 2021)
• What are the different types of research and how do they help us answer questions? (Denscombe, 2021)

Evaluation is ongoing but initial feedback is positive and has given us some areas for development in future editions. Busy CPD students state the simplification and streamlining of resource acquisition was of significant benefit to them. The found the e-book to be a high-quality source and an easy to navigate starting point for reading around each topic, with references from key texts to support academic work. They liked the e-book format, which was available across multiple devices and offers useful features such as searchability, bookmarking and interactivity - although some students would prefer a physical book. The interactive elements - inclusion of case studies, quizzes and reflective exercises - were found to facilitate learning and practical insights. Learners felt the resource reflects current academic practice and they would recommend it due to the comprehensive information included. After using the book students were better able to define, understand and apply academic skills, e.g. how to write an essay and critical thinking.

Feedback from academics shows the e-book use has been apparent in formative and summative reference lists. There is clear evidence of wider reading, referencing the e-book in assignments. And the book is cost effective (all profits go to the Publisher).

Evaluation will continue to aid development of the resource. Initial potential additions suggested, include referencing and critiquing tools. There is the potential to reach a wider audience with more targeted publicity. The continuing collaboration between the publisher and BNU strengthens both brands' reputations within the healthcare education sector and the collaboration provides valuable insight into student preferences and learning needs for both parties.

Partnering on the project showcases McGraw Hill and BNU's commitment to developing innovative solutions for student support. This successful project can pave the way for future collaborations, leading to ongoing mutually beneficial opportunities and potentially increased outcomes for students.

To view the e-book see the QR code below:

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