title: Benefits, barriers, and intentions/desires of nurses related to distance learning in rural island communities.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study assessed distance learning needs among nurses on the Neighbor Islands in Hawaii.
  
  
  METHODS
  An exploratory study was conducted using a descriptive qualitative design. Of the 37 nurses who completed the study, 7 were nurse administrators and 30 were staff nurses. There were 18 focus groups of nurses recruited from six public hospitals on the Neighbor Islands.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three major themes related to distance learning emerged in this study: benefits, barriers, and intentions/desires. Each major theme had several linkages to categories and subcategories.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Overall findings were as follows: (1) cost was mentioned more often in three major thematic areas (benefit, barriers, and intentions/desires); (2) the need to revisit and address current curriculum approaches and practices in distance learning programs was identified; and (3) strong recommendations were made for programs and organizational support for distance learning in hospital settings. These findings have implications for nursing research, education, and practice.
authors.affiliation: University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA. merle@hawaii.edu
authors.forename: Merle R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Kataoka-Yahiro
authors.forename: Karol
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Richardson
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mobley
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002322:Career Mobility; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D003479:Curriculum; D020375:Education, Distance / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017144:Focus Groups; D006254:Hawaii; D006779:Hospitals, Public; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009718:Nurse Administrators / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014146:Training Support