The perceptions of how dyslexia impacts on nursing and midwifery students and the coping strategies they develop/use to manage difficulties associated with dyslexia in clinical practice; an embedded case study

The aims of this research were to explore the perceptions of the impact of dyslexia on nursing and midwifery students in practice, and of the coping strategies they develop and/or use to help them cope. To achieve the above aims, the following questions were set and addressed: 1. What is the perceived impact of dyslexia on the nursing and midwifery student in clinical practice? 2. How are any difficulties associated with dyslexia managed by the nursing or midwifery student? 3i. What strategies can help and support nursing and midwifery students with dyslexia? 3ii. What are students’ and mentors’ perceptions of the poster guidelines (developed following a previous study), which are designed to help and support nursing and midwifery students with dyslexia in clinical practice? A qualitative study underpinned by a constructivist, interpretive ontological perspective was undertaken, based on a grounded theory case study approach. After seeking and gaining research ethics approval and informed written consent from potential participants, a purposive sample of 12 nursing and midwifery students with dyslexia, and 22 mentors was recruited and used for the study. Varied methods including tape recorded semi-structured interviews and content analysis of students’ practice portfolios (n=8) and files (n=12) were used to collect data from the students. Evaluative comments from the mentors were also collected. The data were then analysed using Glasarian grounded theory method. Findings suggest that dyslexia impacts on the student negatively as well as positively. There was expression of strong support with reference to demonstration of empathy and acceptance of students with dyslexia in both academic and practice settings, however, disclosure remained an issue for some students. Apart from already available strategies, the students managed to develop and used simple and effective coping strategies in a non-stressful environment. In a busy environment however, they became stressed and frustrated with cascading effects. Many of the strategies used including the poster guidelines were identified as very useful and or helpful and suggestions made by both students and mentors led to the development of a tool kit to be use used interactively by the students and their mentors in practice.