Using evidence-integrated e-learning to enhance case management continuing education for psychiatric nurses: a randomised controlled trial with follow-up.
BACKGROUND
E-learning is a flexible strategy to improve nurses' knowledge of case management, but there are methodological limitations in previous research into the effectiveness of such programs.


OBJECTIVE
To describe the development and effectiveness of an evidence-integrated e-learning program in case management continuing education for Taiwanese psychiatric nurses.


METHODS
Multiple methods were adopted to develop the program and a randomised controlled trial with repeated measures was employed to evaluate it.


METHODS
The e-learning program was developed in four stages: (1) systematic review of literature; (2) needs assessment through a national survey and focus group; (3) development of learning materials; and (4) pilot test. Following program development, psychiatric nurses were recruited and randomly allocated into an experimental or comparison group. The experimental group participated in an e-learning continuing education program. The case management knowledge index with sufficient reliability and validity and a satisfaction survey were used to determine the outcomes. A generalised estimating equation was used to assess the difference between the 2 groups before, after, and at 3 months follow-up.


RESULTS
The learning material comprised 5 simulated learning modules, self-assessment questions, learning cases, sharing experiences, and learning resources. A total of 200 participants completed the 3 measurements. Knowledge scores in the experimental group significantly exceeded those in the comparison group after the program and at the 3-month follow-up. Participants reported positive learning perceptions.


CONCLUSIONS
The program provides an evidence-based educational resource for nursing continuing education in case management.
School of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, 365, Ming Te Road, Peitou 11219, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC. Electronic address: wenyi@ntunhs.edu.tw.
Wen-I
WI
Liu
School of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, 365, Ming Te Road, Peitou 11219, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC. Electronic address: rong@ntunhs.edu.tw.
Jiin-Ru
JR
Rong
School of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, 365, Ming Te Road, Peitou 11219, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
Chieh-Yu
CY
Liu
D000328:Adult; D019090:Case Management; D016250:Compact Disks; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D018961:Educational Technology; D055318:Evidence-Based Nursing; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016730:Program Development; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000193:education*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013624:Taiwan
Case management education; E-learning; Evidence based teaching; Outcomes evaluation; Psychiatric nurses; Randomised controlled trial