[Evidence based nursing and distance learning in the Italian hospital S. Orsola-Malpighi]

An experience of distance learning on Evidence Based Nursing is being implemented at the Policlinico Sant'Orsola Malpighi of Bologna. Commented evidence based abstracts on nursing techniques or problems are produced by a resource group of 80 nurses who attended specific courses. An abridged version of the recommendations is distributed to the 2300 health care professionals of the hospital with information on the distance learning session that consists in reading an extended review of the literature on one of the topics chosen and in an evaluation session. The materials are actually on paper but in the near future the electronic format will be used. After the experimental phase, Continuing education credits will be assigned to each initiative. In the evaluation session the theoretical knowledge and problem solving abilities are assessed. The 30 participants to the first 2 initiatives expressed an high level of satisfaction for the materials received. New sessions on more that 10 topics are planned for the 2003-2004.