The dynamic landscape of healthcare education continually demands innovative approaches to ensure the effectiveness and satisfaction of students entering the nursing profession. A recent study led by Yang et al. (2025) has illuminated a significant advancement in this field by exploring the impact of a novel three-step training mode labeled “teaching, exercising, and practicing” on the performance and satisfaction levels of internship nursing students, particularly in the critical area of fall prevention education.
The prevalence of falls among patients in healthcare settings remains a pressing concern, as they often lead to severe complications, longer hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs. Training nursing students effectively in fall prevention strategies is essential for reducing these adverse outcomes. To address this urgent need, Yang and colleagues conducted a randomized controlled trial comparing traditional training methods with their innovative three-step approach, providing valuable insights that could reshape nursing education methodologies.
In crafting a robust curriculum, the researchers first delineated the boundaries of the three-step training mode. This methodology serves as a progressive learning framework, where students not only engage with theoretical knowledge but are also provided with ample opportunities to practice this knowledge in real-world scenarios. The first step, “teaching,” involves imparting essential information about the physiology of falls, risk assessment, and prevention strategies through lectures and multimedia resources. This foundational knowledge is vital for students to recognize the significance of their role in patient safety.
The second phase, “exercising,” introduces interactive elements such as simulations, role-playing, and group discussions. Students actively engage with the material, fostering a deeper understanding through hands-on experiences. This exercise component is crucial, as it allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge in controlled environments, thereby enhancing retention and recall abilities. By simulating real-life nursing scenarios, students can experiment with various preventive measures in a low-stakes setting, thus reducing anxiety around patient interaction in actual clinical environments.
The final step, “practicing,” enables students to hone their skills through direct patient care experiences. This stage is where the integration of theory and practice culminates. Nursing students are placed in clinical settings under the supervision of experienced professionals, allowing them to implement their fall prevention strategies in real time. Such experiential learning is critical in nursing education, as it bridges the gap between academic knowledge and practical application, ultimately reinforcing student confidence and competency.
The researchers’ methodology also included a rigorous assessment of student performance and satisfaction following the training. Performance metrics included objective evaluations of students’ knowledge related to fall prevention, as well as their ability to apply this understanding during clinical rotations. Satisfaction was assessed through meticulously designed surveys capturing student perceptions of the training’s effectiveness, organization, and overall experience during the internship.
Results from the study provided compelling evidence supporting the efficacy of the three-step training mode. Students who underwent this innovative instructional approach exhibited significantly improved performance in both theoretical examinations and practical assessments compared to their peers who engaged solely in traditional training methods. Furthermore, satisfaction rates among these students indicated a marked increase, as they felt more confident in their abilities to perform fall prevention techniques in clinical settings.
The implications of such findings are profound, offering nursing educators a potential blueprint for revolutionizing teaching strategies across nursing schools worldwide. By shifting the focus from rote memorization and passive learning to a more interactive, hands-on approach, educators could significantly enhance the preparedness of nursing students as they enter the workforce. This evolution in pedagogical methods not only benefits students but ultimately leads to improved patient outcomes and enhanced safety protocols within healthcare institutions.
Moreover, the significant impact on student satisfaction highlights a critical aspect of nursing education—emotional and psychological preparation. When nursing students are engaged and actively involved in their learning processes, they experience a stronger connection to their training, which can translate into higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates once they transition into professional roles. This aspect is particularly vital in the face of ongoing staffing shortages and burnout within the nursing workforce.
In conclusion, Yang et al.’s study sheds light on a pivotal moment in nursing education, encouraging institutions to embrace innovative strategies that enhance student learning. The three-step training mode of teaching, exercising, and practicing emerges as a transformative approach in fall prevention education. As healthcare continues to evolve and face new challenges, the education of future nursing professionals must adapt accordingly, ensuring they are equipped not only with knowledge but also with the practical skills necessary to foster safe and effective patient care.
In light of these findings, nursing schools should consider implementing evidence-based training modes that promote active learning and hands-on experience. This could be a game-changer, potentially shaping the next generation of nursing professionals to better handle the complexities of patient care—specifically in areas as critical as fall prevention.
Integrating such curricula could also facilitate collaborative learning environments where students learn from one another, thereby creating a dynamic educational experience. Collaborations between nursing schools and healthcare facilities could further enhance training opportunities, ensuring that students are not only learned but are also well-prepared for the realities of providing care in an increasingly complex healthcare landscape.
The pursuit of effective nursing education is about more than preparing students for exams; it is about instilling confidence, competence, and a deep commitment to patient safety. The findings of this study underscore the need for continuous evolution in teaching practices within nursing education, placing it firmly on a path towards excellence.
As we look forward, the health of future patients may well depend on the educational strategies employed today. Initiatives that prioritize practical experience and interactive learning will be crucial in developing competent and confident nursing professionals. This is just the beginning.
Subject of Research: Fall prevention education in nursing students
Article Title: The impact of using “teaching, exercising, and practicing” three-step training mode on the performance and satisfaction of internship nursing students in the training of fall prevention education ability: a randomized controlled trial.
Article References:
Yang, J., Mao, T., Zhou, L. et al. The impact of using “teaching, exercising, and practicing” three-step training mode on the performance and satisfaction of internship nursing students in the training of fall prevention education ability: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Nurs 24, 1316 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-03895-z
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: 10.1186/s12912-025-03895-z
Keywords: Nursing education, fall prevention, three-step training mode, student satisfaction, clinical practice.
