Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was to develop, implement, and evaluate an e-learning education program for improving practical knowledge and preventing nursing errors and adverse events of nurses working in the operating room (OR). METHOD: The e-learning program was developed and evaluated according to the following processes: 1) preparation phase 2) implementation phase 3) evaluation phase. In evaluation phase, the effectiveness was analyzed based on the Kirkpatrick's model. RESULTS: The e-learning program consisted of OR basic nursing skills and techniques and nursing activities' manual based on the categories of nursing errors: surgical operation preparation, nursing skills and techniques, environment management, patient safety and comfort, and patient monitoring. The program was provided through on-line, http:// cafe.daum.net/pnuhorn, for 4 weeks. The mean score(percent) of participants' satisfaction was 21.24+/-1.71(68.2%). Their total knowledge level was significantly improved(Z=-3.00, p=.003) and specifically in the category of environment management(Z=-3.77, p<.001) and patient monitoring(Z=-2.46, p=.014). The occurrence of nursing errors or adverse events was a little decreased, but not statistically significant(Z= -3.10, p=.756). CONCLUSION: E-learning for nurses is one way of effective and efficient teaching-learning strategies. For better e-learning, it is important to develop the vital content of the education and objective measures for detecting nursing errors and adverse events.

• Keywords: Medical errors; Continuing nursing education; Program development; Program evaluation