Outcomes-Based Education Implementation in Maternal and Child Nursing: Status, Challenges, and Prospects

This study explored on the implementation of Outcomes-Based Education (OBE) in Maternal and Child Nursing across selected nursing schools in Cavite, Philippines. Given the absence of comprehensive literature on OBE in professional nursing courses, specifically Maternal and Child Nursing this research aimed to fill that gap by examining the current status, challenges, and prospects of OBE implementation. The researcher utilized the holistic multiple case study design; through this design, outcomes-based education implementation was not explored through one lens but rather a variety of data sources, such as interviews, focus group discussions, classroom and clinical observations, and documentary reviews. Findings showed that the current status of OBE implementation indicates that the Colleges of Nursing in the province of Cavite are utilizing a hybrid syllabus and traditional grading system, with students experiencing a significant amount of coursework and using a course portfolio. Faculty members are active facilitators of learning; however, there is a formidable need for faculty members aligned with their specialization. Challenges were also encountered during the transition, OBE implementing guidelines remained ambiguous, with meager resources, a limited budget for training, and inadequate technical support to develop and capacitate the faculty. There were expectations that the participants’ visions would be actualized. These include harmonizing macro and micro curricula, maximizing resources to continue comprehensive training, and the unwavering commitment of the academic leaders to oxidize towards stronger administrative support. Based on the findings, it is suggested that the components of the grading system be standardized, the acquisition of modern tools and equipment be prioritized, and capacitated and retooled the faculty to enable them to fully and effectively implement outcomes-based Education in Maternal and Child Nursing. Lastly, it is recommended that the study be replicated to include all professional nursing courses and other nursing institutions in Cavite to get a more comprehensive picture of outcomes-based education implementation among nursing schools in Cavite.