Evaluation of the Fuzzy Kitten software as a methodology for teaching diagnostic reasoning in nursing

Author(s)

Rodrigo Jensen

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: Campinas, SP.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Faculdade de Ciências Médicas
• Defense date: 2013-08-03

Examining board members

Maria Helena Baena de Moraes Lopes; Heloisa Helena Ciqueto Peres; Luiz Fernando Costa Nascimento; Luciana de Lione Melo; Ianê Nogueira do Vale

• Advisor: Maria Helena Baena de Moraes Lopes; Diná de Almeida Lopes Monteiro da Cruz

Abstract

Introduction: The Fuzzy Kitten software is an educational tool for teaching nursing diagnosis and assessing the diagnostic accuracy. In a previous study computer experts and students evaluated the software. Based on this assessment has identified the need to update it, expand it and answer new questions. Objectives: Developing the version 2.0 of the software Fuzzy Kitten, incorporating the model "Developing Nurses' Thinking" and evaluate it as a methodology resource for teaching diagnostic reasoning in nursing, among undergraduate nursing students. Methods: Using a crossover design, two subgroups of undergraduate nursing students (A and B) were exposed to the use of software Fuzzy Kitten 2.0 in reverse times. Accuracy was measured by case studies on paper, with questions about the defining characteristics/risk factors (question 1), related factors (question 2) and nursing diagnoses (question 3). Three measurements were performed: baseline, measure 1 and measure 2. Results: The Fuzzy Kitten 2.0 has the upgrade and expansion of the first version and migration to an institutional site of the University of Campinas. Among the updates was enabled implemented the user self-registration, changes in layout, changes in score page and update the classification of nursing diagnoses (NANDA International 2009-2011). The software has been expanded and was inserted the step of identifying related factors and implemented the model Developing Nurses' Thinking in the analysis step of the clinical case. In comparing the performance of groups A (n = 9) and B (n = 12), in the case study paper was rejected the null hypothesis of equality between intervention and control in question 1 (p = 0.0065) and not rejected in questions 2 (p = 0.8031) and 3 (p = 0.8538). Conclusion: The results show that Fuzzy Kitten 2.0 software can improve a student's ability to identify defining characteristics/ risk factors in clinical cases. It is suggested that further studies with larger sample sizes and repeated exposures, in order to identify the effect of the software on the student's diagnostic accuracy and ability to identify related factors (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/10158-2 - EVALUATION OF THE FUZZY KITTEN SOFTWARE AS A METHODOLOGY TO TEACHING OF THE REASONING DIAGNOSIS IN NURSING
• Grantee: Rodrigo Jensen
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate