The development of staff concerns during implementation of problem-based learning in a nursing programme

A three-year longitudinal case study is being conducted, aimed at monitoring the development of staff concerns during the implementation of a PBL programme in a nursing department. This paper reports on the experiences encountered during the first 18 months of this case study. The Stages of Concerns Questionnaire (SoCQ) designed by Hall et al. (1979) was used to assess the development of the concerns of the lecturing staff concerning the PBL programme. Periodical interviews were conducted in order to assess perceptions regarding the PBL programme. 'Personal' concerns remained the most intense during all phases of data collection. Concerns about the impact of the programme on students were high after 18 months of implementation. Staff expressed concerns relating to (a) inadequacy of staff support, (b) stress related to work overload and (c) lack of time for doing research and publishing. Nevertheless, staff commitment to the programme was apparent. There was a general view that the programme is exciting and relevant to the changing health policy in South Africa.