title: Continuing education for nurses in the clinical management of autism spectrum disorders: results of a pilot evaluation.
abstract: The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is 1 in 110 in the United States. Nurses encounter patients with ASDs across practice settings. This article describes the results of an evaluation research pilot that assessed the perceived value to nurses of a continuing education program on comprehensive care of people with ASDs. Two 2-day workshops were offered in 2010. Of the 37 participants, 92% were female; 35% worked in pediatrics, 35% worked in adult care, and 30% were administrators; and 33% had practiced for 11 years or more. Six months after the course, 74% shared information with their employers and 94% shared information with coworkers. Although 77% incorporated learning into practice, 23% reported that they had not yet had the opportunity to do so. All participants valued the course content. Future programs can target audiences in specific service areas or those who work with specific populations. This pilot provided useful feedback on the nursing care of people with ASDs that is relevant to a variety of potential audiences. Continuing education programs can target sponsors, donors, client groups, administrators, and staff as they prepare to care for patients with ASDs.
authors: Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA. ellen.giarelli@drexel.edu
authors: Ellen
authors: E
authors: Giarelli
authors: Jean
authors: J
authors: Ruttenberg
authors: Andrea
authors: A
authors: Segal
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000451:nursing*; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education*; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000193:education*; D010865:Pilot Projects