Learning Objective #1: Understand how Web-based training for evidence-based practice was developed to fit the needs of long-term care nursing personnel

Learning Objective #2: Identify how long-term care nursing personnel can use online learning for exposure to evidence-based practice in gerontological nursing

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Purpose: This presentation describes a collaborative effort to provide training to nursing personnel in geriatric long-term care (LTC) settings using an online web-based curriculum. The specific presentation is part of a larger project funded by a grant from the Department of Health and Human Services that was designed to deliver a systematic program of education to LTC personnel through use of an asynchronous learning environment. The project described here focused on strategies that were developed to support online learning for LTC personnel at one nursing facility. The presentation highlights strategies that support collaboration among diverse entities, techniques to engage nursing personnel in online learning, and outcomes for LTC personnel who participated in online learning.

Background: The need for this project was based on national reports that have shown repeatedly the deficits that exist in the workforce prepared to care for the nation's elderly population. Use of online technology has the potential to enhance LTC personnel's knowledge about evidence based practice.

Results: Data are presented from quantitative and qualitative accounts related to overall project processes and outcomes. Findings are presented related to the collaborative efforts between academic units and the LTC setting. Highlighted are the benefits related to collaboration for education, training, and outreach. Reports from participants are given and point to the pedagogical practices that support and hinder online learning. These findings provide information for model development of self directed learning techniques in LTC. Analyses of the online learners' evaluative data are given, suggesting that this method of learning is highly valued.

Implications for development of online learning in other LTC facilities are presented.

Recommendations to develop and improve access to online learning in LTC are discussed.