Evaluation of an Electronically Delivered Learning Module Intended for Continuing Education of Practicing Registered Nurses: A Pretest-Posttest Longitudinal Study

摘要

Background: A widely used method for distributing continuing education to health care professionals is via electronically delivered learning modules (EDLM). The purpose of this study is to determine if RNs retain and value education provided by an EDLM. Method: This is a one-group pretest-posttest and longitudinal study employing survey methodology. RNs completed an electronically delivered sepsis educational module, an immediate posttest, and then a posttest 4 weeks later. Additionally, the researchers measured participants' feelings and practices regarding EDLMs. Results: The mean value for total knowledge scores increased immediately postintervention then decreased to near baseline after 1 month. Additionally, participants reported that EDLMs did not increase their knowledge, nor did they value EDLMs. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that didactic information received via EDLMs may have minimal sustained impact on nurses' knowledge. Participants' lack of knowledge retention may be affected by module and evaluation design.