title: Improving infection control competency through an online learning course.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  While most staff are aware of the basics of infection prevention and control, this can be eroded over time. In addition, it is difficult to keep up with emerging best practices.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To develop an online course to improve infection prevention and control competency and access to training.
  
  
  METHODS
  Surveys were conducted with 76 healthcare professionals, most of whom were nurses, before and after the course.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants made significant increases in competency scores, and satisfaction with the course was high.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A number of barriers to online learning in the workplace were identified. Organisational support in terms of protected training time, computers and internet access are essential.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Online learning can be an effective way for nurses to learn or refresh their skills and knowledge but needs employer support to be successful.
authors.affiliation: School of Community and Health Studies, Centennial College, Toronto, Canada.
authors.forename: Lynda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Atack
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Luke
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D019985:Benchmarking; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D006235:Hand Disinfection; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D020407:Internet / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D009864:Ontario; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012647:Self-Assessment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires