Web-based learning in professional development: experiences of Finnish nurse managers.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this article is to describe the nurse managers' expectations, attitudes and experiences on web-based learning before and after participation in a web-based course.


BACKGROUND
Information technology has rapidly become more common in health care settings. However, little is known about nurse managers' experiences on web-based learning, although they have a crucial role in promoting the professional development of their staff.


METHODS
Diagnostic assignments (n = 18) written before and interviews (n = 8) taken after the web-based education. The data were analysed by inductive content analysis.


RESULTS
Nurse managers found web-based education to be a suitable and modern method of learning. On the basis of their experience they found multiple ways to utilize web-based learning environments in health care. Information technology skills, equipment, support and time were considered essential in web-based learning. Additionally, they found that their own experience might lead to more widespread implementation of web-based learning in health care settings.


CONCLUSIONS
Information technology skills of nurse managers and staff need to be developed in order to use information technology effectively. In order to learn in a web-based environment, everyone needs the opportunity and access to required resources. Additionally, nurse managers' own experiences are important to promote wider utilization of web-based learning.
Korhonen
Teija
T
Department of Nursing Science, University of Kuopio, PO Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland. teija.korhonen@uku.fi
Lammintakanen
Johanna
J
D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D009718:Nurse Administrators; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*; D017132:Workplace