PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop an integrated nursing practicum education matrix based on the learning outcomes of each stage. METHODS: In this Delphi technique study, 10 experts, consisting of six professors and four nurses, participated in the development of the matrix. The first step was an in-depth review for the composition of the questionnaire and the second step was the Delphi technique. The Delphi survey was conducted two times in order to complete the components of the matrix. The survey data was analyzed for statistical averages and standard deviations to decide the order of priority. RESULTS: According to each stage (i.e. fundamental stage, competent stage, and proficient stage), the matrix was composed of education contents, methods, evaluation methods, and curriculum outcomes. CONCLUSION: The integrated nursing practicum education matrix of Y University was completed. The developed matrix will result in a reduction in the gap between nursing education and clinical practice and an improvement in nursing competency.
Competency-Based Education ; Curriculum ; Delphi Technique ; Education* ; Education, Nursing ; Humans ; Learning* ; Nursing* ; Professional Competence ; Students, Nursing

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to establish a new syphilis test algorithm using Architect Syphilis TP (Abbott Japan, Japan: AST), a fully automated treponemal antibody test, as a screening test in a university hospital laboratory. We evaluated performance characteristics of AST in various patient groups. METHODS: A total of 1,357 serum samples obtained from patients at a university hospital from June to August, 2008 were categorized into checkup, preoperative, other diseases, diagnosis (clinically suspected of syphilis), and follow up groups. We compared the results of AST with those of RPR (N=1,276) or Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA, N=81). Samples with discrepant results between RPR or TPHA and AST were retested by fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test (FTA-ABS) and all patients' clinical records were thoroughly reviewed. RESULTS: The positive rate of AST was significantly higher than that of RPR in preoperative and other diseases groups and was the same as that of RPR in diagnosis group. There were no significant differences in check up and follow up groups. The results of AST showed 97.4% (1,243/1,276) and 97.5% (79/81) concordance rates with those of RPR and TPHA, respectively. Among 26 RPR-AST discrepant and FTA-ABS confirmed cases, there were 20 RPR false-negatives, 4 RPR false-positives, 1 AST false-negative, and 1 AST false-positive. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results and literature review, we established a new syphilis test algorithm using AST as a screening test, which would be helpful for detection of more syphilis patients including latent infections.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Algorithms ; Autoanalysis ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; False Positive Reactions ; Female ; Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody-Absorption Test/methods ; Hemagglutination Tests/methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Reagent Kits, Diagnostic ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Syphilis/*diagnosis ; Syphilis Serodiagnosis/*methods