Evaluation of a Self-Directed E-Learning Module to Promote Informatics Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes in Registered Nurses and Nursing Students

Verzella, Margaret M

Monday, 18 November 2013

Margaret M Verzella, RN, MSN
College of Health and Human Services, School of Nursing, University of North Carolina - Wilmington, Wilmington, NC
RuthAnne Kuiper, RN, PhD
College of Health and Human Services, School of Nursing, University of North Carolina Wilmington, School of Nursing, Wilmington, NC

Learning Objective 1: Examine the attitudes and barriers to the knowledge and skills needed for technology use by registered nurses and nursing students in health care informatics.

Learning Objective 2: Examine the effect of an E-learning module on the attitudes toward use, informatics knowledge, and informatics skill of registered nurses and nursing students

Background. Although information technology (IT) is omnipresent in health care, many nurses lack skill and competency in its use. The Technology Acceptance Model was the framework used to evaluate technology systems as they affect attitude toward use, intention to use, and actual use.

Purpose. This study explored the attitudes and barriers to the knowledge and skills needed for technology use to complete an e-learning module that focused on expanding practicing nurses and nursing student knowledge in health care informatics.

Methods. A quasi-experimental pretest/post-test design was used to measure changes in knowledge, skills, and attitudes of nursing informatics in a sample of registered nurses and nursing students in southeastern North Carolina, after viewing a researcher developed 30 minute e-learning module. Of the total sample (n=1450) asked to participate, the final response rate was 2% (n=32).

Analysis The pre-post test surveys were matched by participant and analyzed using SPSS software using a paired two-tailed t-test with a 95% confidence interval (p < .05).

Findings. Paired sample t-tests revealed significant positive changes for three items of Perceived Usefulness (p <. 044), and five items of Perceived Ease of Use (p <. 016). Closer analysis revealed a positive attitude towards nursing informatics use on three items (p < .048) and on three items reflecting Intention to Use (p < .03). One question evaluating knowledge of POC resources was significant from pre to post test (p = .044).

Conclusion. The findings suggest viewing an e-learning module has a positive effect on knowledge and skills in nursing informatics; and that RN’s have a positive attitude towards nursing informatics, are aware of the continued integration of technology in the delivery of safe, effective patient care, and welcome the opportunity to actively participate in IT development and assimilation.

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