Use, challenges and barriers to use of problem-based learning by nurse educators: A study in Fako division, Cameroon

The study aimed at investigating the proportion of nurse educators in Fako Division who use PBL in the training of student nurses, and the factors, barriers, and challenges associated with its use. A descriptive and analytic cross-sectional design with mixed methods was used. 105 nurse educators were recruited using the cluster random sampling method and were involved in the study. Data were collected using questionnaire which covered all the objectives of the study. The data collected was analysed using EPI Info software. Out of the 80 nurse educators who participated in the study, 85% had used PBL in training nursing students. The Use of PBL was associated with previous training on PBL (76.5% vrs96% p= 0.04)and teachers access to internet(94.4% vrs69.6%, p= 0.02).Four major challenges and barriers indicated were time constraint, lack of knowledge, lack of training, poorly- equipped library. The use of PBL by nurse educators in training nursing students is high. However, use is not frequent and it’s a personal choice. This irregularity in use could be because they face diverse challenges and barriers. Overcoming the challenges and barriers may have an impact on the teaching skills of nurse educators which may have a positive effect on nursing students’ ability to develop skills.