title: Learning needs analysis: the development of a tool to support the on-going professional development of multiple sclerosis specialist nurses.
abstract: Continuous professional development (CPD) is essential in modern day nursing. Learning needs analysis (LNA) is an important element of CPD. This paper describes the development of a LNA tool for multiple sclerosis specialist nurses. The tool contains an empirically developed LNA schedule and uses a blend of both subjective and objective exercises to help the nurse formulate a comprehensive learning plan. The tool is organised into four phases: phase 1, focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary to the fulfillment of work-based objectives; phase 2, involves a more in-depth assessment of particular areas of professional knowledge; phase 3, examines learning strategies; and phase 4, involves the development of a learning plan. The tool has been implemented throughout the UK via local trainers. While the tool was developed for a specialist nurse population the principles upon which it is based are likely to be transferable to other nursing contexts.
authors.affiliation: Primary and Intermediate Care Section, The Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery, King's College London, James Clerk Maxwell Building, Waterloo Road, London SE1 8WA, United Kingdom. angus.forbes@kcl.ac.uk
authors.forename: Angus
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Forbes
authors.forename: Alison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: While
authors.forename: Roz
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ullman
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration; D004511:Education, Nursing, Graduate / Q000458:organization & administration; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D017145:Models, Educational; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000451:nursing*; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000592:standards*; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D010934:Planning Techniques; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D020377:Self Efficacy; D013192:Staff Development / Q000458:organization & administration; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*; D006113:United Kingdom; D016526:Workload