Assessing the quality of a web-based learning system for nurses

Continuing professional education is essential for nurses to update their clinical skills and knowledge to meet the complex demands of current patient care. Compared to traditional in-class continuing education, a web-based learning system is efficient for nurses with a three shift-working schedule and is timely to deliver knowledge about newly emerging epidemics such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. Many studies reveal the advantages of various web-based learning systems but seldom evaluate them from the perspective of quality. This study develops an instrument to assess the quality of a web-based learning system for nurses' continuing education based on the quality dimensions of a mature information systems success model. The research results show that all indicators of the instrument provide a fit to the quality measurement of a web-based learning system and have high reliability and validity. Based on the research findings, implications and limitations are discussed.