Effect of an Online Module on Leadership on the Knowledge Acquisition of Nursing Students: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial Study

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of an online educational module on leadership upon the knowledge acquisition of nursing students. Methods: The research was conducted in two phases: methodological and experimental. In the methodological phase, specialists validated the content and appearance of the module, as well as the content of the problem situation. In the experimental phase, a pilot randomized clinical trial was conducted with 14 sixth-semester nursing students from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, divided into two groups: experimental (seven students), who accessed the online module, and control (seven students), who participated in a conventional, face-to-face expository lecture within the Nursing Department. Results: The results indicated significant advancements in leadership skills, particularly in the experimental group. This group demonstrated a notable increase in the appreciation of interpersonal skills, rising from 57.14% in the pretest to 85.71% in the post-test. Regarding the mediation of ethical conflicts, 85.71% of the control group and 100% of the experimental group opted for open debate in the post-test, evidencing a participatory approach. Furthermore, the experimental group showed improvement in self-identification as a leader, increasing from 42.86% to 57.14%, suggesting a positive impact on the development of leadership self-perception. Conclusion: The online educational module on leadership had a positive effect on the knowledge acquisition of nursing students, evidenced by a significant increase in knowledge and skills related to leadership. Trial Registration: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (ReBEC): RBR-2dfqmr2.