Demonstrating the effectiveness of an online, computer-based learning module for arterial blood gas analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effectiveness of a computer-based learning module specific to arterial blood gas (ABG) interpretation.


METHODS
A pretest and posttest design was used to assess staff nurses' ability to interpret ABGs before and after engaging in a computer-based module.


METHODS
Two community hospitals in northern Illinois.


METHODS
Fifty-eight staff nurses completed the online learning module and the pretest and posttest measures.


METHODS
Subjects consented to participate and completed a pretest measure of their knowledge of ABG interpretation. Subjects participated in a computer-based learning module on ABG interpretation and then completed a posttest.


RESULTS
Staff nurses' knowledge increased significantly after viewing the computer-based learning module (t = 6.3; P < .001). This improvement was irrespective of experience or department.


CONCLUSIONS
Computer-based, online learning has emerged as a means of providing continuing education to nurses. Such a teaching strategy helps to overcome barriers pertinent to traditional classroom settings.
Schneiderman
Jessica
J
Freeport Health Network Memorial Hospital, Illinois, USA. jschneiderman@fhn.org
Corbridge
Susan
S
Zerwic
Julie Johnson
JJ
D000137:Acid-Base Imbalance / Q000097:blood; D000328:Adult; D001784:Blood Gas Analysis / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing*; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D003479:Curriculum; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D006764:Hospitals, Community; D006801:Humans; D007087:Illinois; D008875:Middle Aged; D017145:Models, Educational; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000458:organization & administration; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education*; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011582:Psychological Theory