Online training improves paramedics' knowledge of autonomic dysreflexia management guidelines.
METHODS
Single-group pre-/post-test with 3- and 6-month follow-ups.


OBJECTIVE
To test the effects of the 'ABCs of AD' educational module on immediate and longer-term changes in paramedics' knowledge and beliefs about using the autonomic dysreflexia clinical practice guidelines (AD-CPGs).


METHODS
Canada.


METHODS
A total of 119 paramedics completed an AD knowledge test and measures of attitudes, perceived control, self-efficacy, social pressure from patients and health-care professionals, and intentions to use the AD-CPGs before and 1 week, 3 months and 6 months after viewing 'ABCs of AD'.


RESULTS
There were significant improvements in AD knowledge, attitudes and social pressure from patients to use the AD-CPGs from baseline to 1 week, 3 months and 6 months post viewing (all P<0.001). Self-efficacy and intentions increased 1 week post viewing (P<0.001), but returned to baseline levels at 3 and 6 months (P>0.05). There was no change in perceived control or social pressure from health-care professionals. AD knowledge and beliefs explained 50-61% of the variance in intentions to use the AD-CPGs. Attitudes, social pressure from patients and perceived behavioural control were significant unique predictors of intentions at all time points (P<0.05); AD knowledge was a significant predictor at 6 months only (P=0.048). No other predictors were significant.


CONCLUSIONS
'ABCs of AD' has immediate and sustained effects on paramedics' knowledge of attitudes toward and perceived pressure from patients to use the AD-CPGs. Updates to paramedic patient care guidelines and standards are needed to increase paramedics' perceived control and self-efficacy to implement the guidelines, and their intentions to use the AD-CPGs.


BACKGROUND
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (2011-CIHR- 260877).
Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
K A
KA
Martin Ginis
School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
J R
JR
Tomasone
Hamilton Health Sciences Centre for Paramedic Education & Research, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
M
M
Welsford
University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, ON, Canada.
K
K
Ethans
Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
A R
AR
Sinden
Hamilton Health Sciences Centre for Paramedic Education & Research, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
M
M
Longeway
ICORD, GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
A
A
Krassioukov
D000328:Adult; D000488:Allied Health Personnel / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards; D020211:Autonomic Dysreflexia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D019468:Disease Management; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000592:standards; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic / Q000592:standards