CNERG: Clinical site assessment tool supporting the quality of nursing student placements
Shawna LeBouthillier and Megan Melton, Centre for Health Care Research & Innovation
This project assessed the inter-rater reliability of the clinical site assessment tool (CSAT), a tool designed to evaluate the quality and readiness of clinical practicum environments for nursing students. The CSAT systematically measures placement suitability from the perspectives of clinical agencies, instructors, and students, addressing gaps in existing assessment tools that primarily focused on student and instructor feedback. The research aimed to determine how well the tool aligned across different users and to provide insights for program administrators on improving student practicum experiences.
Data collection took place at Conestoga College from January to April 2024, involving nursing students, instructors, and clinical agency staff at an acute care hospital unit. Statistical analyses, including Cronbach’s Alpha, Cohen’s Kappa, and Wilcoxon Rank-Sums tests, indicated low agreement and reliability between students and instructors when using the CSAT. Further consultation revealed methodological flaws that may have impacted the reliability results. However, descriptive analysis of student responses highlighted key concerns, including reports of racism, lack of support from nursing staff, and deviations from best practice guidelines. These findings were shared with the School of Nursing to inform improvements in clinical education.
While the study did not establish the reliability of the CSAT, the research team identified a revised methodology for future evaluation and has applied for additional funding to refine and re-administer the tool in a controlled setting. The insights gained from this project underscore the importance of assessing clinical placements to enhance nursing student experiences and support high-quality practicum environments.