Implementation of reference frameworks at nursing schools - A qualitative study on beneficial and hindering factors

The reference frameworks that have been developed for the first time by the Specialist Committee in accordance with Sect. 53 of the German Nursing Professions Act follow a new didactic-curricular structure and are intended to support the nursing schools in creating their own curricular documents. The commissioned study investigated hindering and promoting factors in the implementation of reference frameworks at nursing schools. Expert interviews (n = 16 pair interviews) were conducted with teachers responsible for curriculum development (n = 32) at nursing schools and analysed deductively using qualitative content analysis. Internal school curricula (n = 15) were subjected to a criteria-based document analysis. The results were used to establish implementation types based on the degree of completion of the curricula and the implementation of the new didactic-curricular structure. Four implementation types were identified: reform-oriented implementation, partially reform-oriented implementation, traditional implementation and lack of implementation. The key factors for a reform-oriented, successful implementation include the supportive behaviour of the school administration & management, the acceptance of the novel vocational education & training in nursing and the opportunity to take part in further trainings. The implementation types identified are largely characterized by the supportive behaviour of the school administration & management as well as the acceptance and knowledge of the teaching staff. The opportunity to take part in further training courses in order to deal with the reformed vocational education and didactic-curricular recommendations is a central implementation factor. All federal German states should set up funding programs for the didactic and curricular requirements for the new vocational education & training in nursing in order to specifically promote the implementation of the reference frameworks.