Post-test evaluation of the first frontier app: promoting autonomy and enhancing preparedness among pre-registration nursing student

Background: In 2022, the authors conducted a survey to assess student satisfaction with the initial six weeks of their pre-registration nursing programme. A prevalent issue that emerged from student feedback regarded the overwhelming nature of mandatory school-specific tasks required before the course commencement. Students expressed feelings of being inundated with administrative responsibilities, which potentially impacted their transition into the programme. These factors also have the potential to negatively impact on student experience and increase likelihood of student withdrawal from the programme (Canzan et al. 2022)
Intervention: A digital application was co-created in partnership with present pre-registration nursing students. This intervention was chosen in response to students' inclination towards digital solutions and their heightened exposure to such technologies following the COVID-19 pandemic (Henshall et al. 2023). The First Frontier app (https://firstfrontier.co.uk/) navigated students through various time-sensitive activities essential before the course commencement. From procuring nursing uniforms and scheduling occupational health appointments to completing disclosure forms and more, the app ensured students' awareness and comprehension of vital steps. Additionally, it incorporated a text-messaging reminder system to alert students of impending deadlines for key tasks.
Methods: A post-test study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the First Frontier app in promoting autonomy, empowering students with self-efficacy to complete tasks, and facilitating self-management. A customized 20-item questionnaire, based on the validated System Usability Scale, was administered. Additionally, open-text comment sections were incorporated to gather qualitative feedback on students' experiences with the app. This evaluation received faculty ethical approval and took place from September 2022-August 2023.
Results: A total of 460 students actively participated in the evaluation of the First Frontier app. Post-intervention, students reported a perceived improvement in their ability to navigate programme requirements and settle into the academic environment, indicating the effectiveness of the intervention in enhancing student readiness and confidence. Qualitative feedback indicated that the app assisted students in recognising the importance of being independent learners and proficient at task management.
Table 1:
· 318 Adult Nursing Students
· 75 Children & Young People Nursing Students
· 28 Learning Disability Nursing Students
· 39 Mental Health Nursing Students

Table 2: SUS Data – Tara to support
Table 3: Usefulness Data – Tara to support
Box 4: Open Text Feedback – Tara to support

Discussion: The First Frontier app is a novel approach to easing pre-course administrative burdens while fostering student autonomy and readiness for higher education, potentially bolstering student retention (Edge and Gladstone, 2022).

References:
Canzan, F., Saiani, L., Mezzalira, E et al. (2022) ‘Why do nursing students leave bachelor program? findings from a qualitative descriptive study’, BMC Nursing, 21(71).
Edge, D. and Gladstone, N., (2022). Exploring support strategies for improving nursing student retention, Nursing Standard, 37, (9).
Henshall, C., Davey, Z., Merriman, C et al. (2023) ‘The impact of the covid-19 pandemic on nursing students’ navigation of their nursing programmes and experiences of resilience. a qualitative study’, International Journal of Nursing Studies Advances, 5(2023).