title: Cervical cancer screening in adolescents: an evidence-based internet education program for practice improvement among advanced practice nurses.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The literature reports great variation in the knowledge levels and application of the recent changes of cervical cancer screening guidelines into clinical practice. Evidence-based screening guidelines for the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer offers healthcare providers the opportunity to improve practice patterns among female adolescents by decreasing psychological distress as well as reducing healthcare costs and morbidities associated with over-screening.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this pilot intervention study was to determine the effects of a Web-based continuing education unit (CEU) program on advanced practice nurses' (APNs) knowledge of current cervical cancer screening evidence-based recommendations and their application in practice. This paper presents a process improvement project as an example of a way to disseminate updated evidence-based practice guidelines among busy healthcare providers.
  
  
  METHODS
  This Web-based CEU program was developed, piloted, and evaluated specifically for APNs. The program addressed their knowledge level of cervical cancer and its relationship with high-risk human papillomavirus. It also addressed the new cervical cancer screening guidelines and the application of those guidelines into clinical practice.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results of the study indicated that knowledge gaps exist among APNs about cervical cancer screening in adolescents. However, when provided with a CEU educational intervention, APNs' knowledge levels increased and their self-reported clinical practice behaviors changed in accordance with the new cervical cancer screening guidelines.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Providing convenient and readily accessible up-to-date electronic content that provides CEU enhances the adoption of clinical practice guidelines, thereby decreasing the potential of the morbidities associated with over-screening for cervical cancer in adolescents and young women.
authors.affiliation: Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner-Clinical Practice, and Clinical Lecturer, Rutgers University, College of Nursing, Summit, NJ.
authors.forename: Kim
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Choma
authors.forename: Amy E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: McKeever
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D057179:Advanced Practice Nursing / Q000193:education*; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D055318:Evidence-Based Nursing / Q000193:education*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000458:organization & administration; D010865:Pilot Projects; D058996:Quality Improvement / Q000458:organization & administration; D014481:United States; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000451:nursing* / Q000517:prevention & control; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: cervical cancer; cervical cancer screening; continuing education unit (CEU); educational intervention; evidence-based guidelines; evidence-based practice; female adolescents; human papillomavirus (HPV); innovative Web-based education