Co-design and evaluation of an audio podcast about sustainable development goals for undergraduate nursing and midwifery students

Tara Anderson, Patrick Stark, Stephanie Craig, Johanna McMullan, Gail Anderson, Clare Hughes, Kevin Gormley, Jane Killough, Nuala McLaughlin-Borlace, Laura Steele, Sara Lynch, Jesús Sánchez-Martín, Francisco Zamora-Polo, Adam Rodman, Rongrong Li, Gary Mitchell*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Background
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are universally recognised targets designed to combat poverty, inequality, and climate change. However, there exists limited awareness and understanding of these goals among nursing and midwifery students. To address this knowledge gap, a co-designed audio podcast was introduced as an educational tool to enhance students’ comprehension of SDGs and their relevance to the healthcare profession.

Methods
A prospective study was conducted at Queen’s University Belfast, involving 566 first-year nursing and midwifery students. A 60-minute SDG podcast, co-designed with students and stakeholders, was made accessible within the university’s learning management system. Pre- and post-test questionnaires were administered to assess changes in students’ knowledge levels and attitudes toward SDGs. Additionally, 37 participants engaged in focus group interviews six months after listening to the podcast to explore their experiences and reflections. Quantitative data was analysed using paired t-tests and descriptive statistics, while qualitative data was analysed thematically.

Results
The podcast significantly increased students’ awareness of SDGs and their understanding of the goals’ relevance to their profession and personal lives. Post-test scores showed substantial improvements across all three sub-scales: knowledge, professional relevance, and personal relevance. Moreover, participants rated the podcast as a valuable learning resource with high acceptability, although some expressed uncertainty about replay intentions. Focus group interviews revealed three themes, including 1) More than you know’, which described how participants developed new knowledge and understanding about SDGs, 2) ‘Nurse-Midwife Nudges’, which illuminated how participants made minor changes to their behaviour and 3) ‘Fitting Format’, which highlighted how participants favoured the use of an audio podcast to learn about SDGs.

Discussion
This study demonstrates the potential of audio podcasts as an effective and engaging tool for increasing awareness and understanding of SDGs among nursing and midwifery students. The results suggest that such interventions can positively impact students’ knowledge, attitudes, and behavioural intentions regarding the SDGs. The findings also emphasise the importance of co-design in developing educational resources tailored to the specific needs and preferences of students.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1253
Number of pages11
JournalBMC Medical Education
Volume24
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 05 Nov 2024

Keywords

  • audio podcast
  • sustainable development goals
  • undergraduate nursing and midwifery students

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Co-design and evaluation of an audio podcast about sustainable development goals for undergraduate nursing and midwifery students'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this