Using Peer-Assisted Learning to Enhance Clinical Reasoning Skills in Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Study in Iraq

Mariwan Qadir Hamarash,1,* Radhwan Hussein Ibrahim,2,* Marghoob Hussein Yaas,1,* Osama Ismael Almushhadany,3 Salwa Hazim Al Mukhtar4 1College of Nursing, AL Kitab University, City of Kirkuk, Iraq; 2College of Nursing, Ninevah University, City of Mosul, Iraq; 3College of Medic...

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Main Authors: Hamarash MQ, Ibrahim RH, Yaas MH, Almushhadany OI, Al Mukhtar SH
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Dove Medical Press 2025-04-01
Series:Advances in Medical Education and Practice
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Online Access:https://www.dovepress.com/using-peer-assisted-learning-to-enhance-clinical-reasoning-skills-in-u-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-AMEP
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author Hamarash MQ
Ibrahim RH
Yaas MH
Almushhadany OI
Al Mukhtar SH
author_facet Hamarash MQ
Ibrahim RH
Yaas MH
Almushhadany OI
Al Mukhtar SH
author_sort Hamarash MQ
collection DOAJ
description Mariwan Qadir Hamarash,1,* Radhwan Hussein Ibrahim,2,* Marghoob Hussein Yaas,1,* Osama Ismael Almushhadany,3 Salwa Hazim Al Mukhtar4 1College of Nursing, AL Kitab University, City of Kirkuk, Iraq; 2College of Nursing, Ninevah University, City of Mosul, Iraq; 3College of Medicine, Ninevah University, City of Mosul, Iraq; 4College of Nursing, University of Mosul, City of Mosul, Iraq*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Radhwan Hussein Ibrahim, College of Nursing, Ninevah University, City of Mosul, Iraq, Tel +964-770-1620-882, Email prof.dr.radhwan@uomosul.edu.iqAim: This study examines the experiences and perceptions of first- and fourth-year nursing students regarding Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL) in clinical settings.Design and Methods: This study employed a qualitative descriptive design to explore and understand first- and fourth-year nursing students’ perceptions, experiences, and reflections regarding Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL) in a clinical setting. Data were extracted from studies involving first- and fourth-year students, comparing academic competencies, confidence, peer relationships, and professional identity. Thematic analysis synthesized findings from clinical and simulation settings.Results: PAL significantly enhanced critical thinking, problem-solving, and clinical decision-making. First-year students reported increased motivation and a sense of belonging through mentorship, while senior students, acting as peer educators, strengthened their professional identity and commitment to nursing values. Across all levels, PAL fostered collaboration and community, which are essential for healthcare practice.Conclusion: PAL effectively supports nursing students’ cognitive and social development, preparing them for healthcare’s collaborative and reflective nature. Integrating structured PAL programs into nursing curricula can enhance academic performance, motivation, and professional identity, fostering resilient and community-oriented healthcare professionals.Keywords: critical thinking, peer-assisted, undergraduate nursing education, teaching strategies, challenges, methods, Iraq
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publishDate 2025-04-01
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series Advances in Medical Education and Practice
spelling doaj-art-325059d55e894499a93725decb01ea012025-08-20T01:47:55ZengDove Medical PressAdvances in Medical Education and Practice1179-72582025-04-01Volume 16651662102261Using Peer-Assisted Learning to Enhance Clinical Reasoning Skills in Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Study in IraqHamarash MQIbrahim RHYaas MHAlmushhadany OIAl Mukhtar SHMariwan Qadir Hamarash,1,* Radhwan Hussein Ibrahim,2,* Marghoob Hussein Yaas,1,* Osama Ismael Almushhadany,3 Salwa Hazim Al Mukhtar4 1College of Nursing, AL Kitab University, City of Kirkuk, Iraq; 2College of Nursing, Ninevah University, City of Mosul, Iraq; 3College of Medicine, Ninevah University, City of Mosul, Iraq; 4College of Nursing, University of Mosul, City of Mosul, Iraq*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Radhwan Hussein Ibrahim, College of Nursing, Ninevah University, City of Mosul, Iraq, Tel +964-770-1620-882, Email prof.dr.radhwan@uomosul.edu.iqAim: This study examines the experiences and perceptions of first- and fourth-year nursing students regarding Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL) in clinical settings.Design and Methods: This study employed a qualitative descriptive design to explore and understand first- and fourth-year nursing students’ perceptions, experiences, and reflections regarding Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL) in a clinical setting. Data were extracted from studies involving first- and fourth-year students, comparing academic competencies, confidence, peer relationships, and professional identity. Thematic analysis synthesized findings from clinical and simulation settings.Results: PAL significantly enhanced critical thinking, problem-solving, and clinical decision-making. First-year students reported increased motivation and a sense of belonging through mentorship, while senior students, acting as peer educators, strengthened their professional identity and commitment to nursing values. Across all levels, PAL fostered collaboration and community, which are essential for healthcare practice.Conclusion: PAL effectively supports nursing students’ cognitive and social development, preparing them for healthcare’s collaborative and reflective nature. Integrating structured PAL programs into nursing curricula can enhance academic performance, motivation, and professional identity, fostering resilient and community-oriented healthcare professionals.Keywords: critical thinking, peer-assisted, undergraduate nursing education, teaching strategies, challenges, methods, Iraqhttps://www.dovepress.com/using-peer-assisted-learning-to-enhance-clinical-reasoning-skills-in-u-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-AMEPcritical thinkingpeer-assistedundergraduate nursing educationteaching strategieschallengesmethodsiraq.
spellingShingle Hamarash MQ
Ibrahim RH
Yaas MH
Almushhadany OI
Al Mukhtar SH
Using Peer-Assisted Learning to Enhance Clinical Reasoning Skills in Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Study in Iraq
Advances in Medical Education and Practice
critical thinking
peer-assisted
undergraduate nursing education
teaching strategies
challenges
methods
iraq.
title Using Peer-Assisted Learning to Enhance Clinical Reasoning Skills in Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Study in Iraq
title_full Using Peer-Assisted Learning to Enhance Clinical Reasoning Skills in Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Study in Iraq
title_fullStr Using Peer-Assisted Learning to Enhance Clinical Reasoning Skills in Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Study in Iraq
title_full_unstemmed Using Peer-Assisted Learning to Enhance Clinical Reasoning Skills in Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Study in Iraq
title_short Using Peer-Assisted Learning to Enhance Clinical Reasoning Skills in Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Study in Iraq
title_sort using peer assisted learning to enhance clinical reasoning skills in undergraduate nursing students a study in iraq
topic critical thinking
peer-assisted
undergraduate nursing education
teaching strategies
challenges
methods
iraq.
url https://www.dovepress.com/using-peer-assisted-learning-to-enhance-clinical-reasoning-skills-in-u-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-AMEP
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