Training nurse mentor trainers in modern nursing education in Kazakhstan Educational design and research-based development of training for mentor trainers

Abstract

The aim of this educational design-based development process was to create a Mentor Trainer Education (MTE) programme, which would ensure consistent competencies mentor trainers nationwide in Kazakhstan. In addition, the aim was to describe the fundamental design principles for MTE.
Educational design research is an approach to studying and developing educational interventions as a solution to complex educational problems. The method is a cyclical development process which consists of preliminary research and development in real life settings. One characteristic of the development process is circularity, and this includes analysis, design, evaluation, and iterative revision.
Modifications for the final educational product are based on continuous feedback gathered from the participants of the development project.
The final phase of the educational design research is to describe the design principles for the educational product or problem.
In this educational design research, the data consisted of a literature review, the feedback of participants in mentor trainer education and the perceptions of the educators regarding MTE.
After three iterative cycles the MTE programme was finalized. The educational product consists of learning outcomes, training content and adjustable teaching methods in student-centred learning. Furthermore, the fundamental design principles for MTE were defined. The defined 13 design principles are essential for planning and guiding the implementation of MTE.
Conclusions. Mentor trainer education is one of the means to enhance the quality of clinical learning in modern nursing education.
Mentor trainers are needed for organizing systematic mentor training for nurses and for developing unified practices for clinical learning.
With proper numbers of competent mentor trainers systematic nurse mentor education is possible to accomplish. The MTE programme was produced to enhance mentor trainers’ competencies nationwide in Kazakhstan as a part of nursing education modernization.