Use of a web-based education program improves nurses' knowledge of breastfeeding

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Breastfeeding Support

Background:

• Healthcare professionals require up-to-date knowledge on breastfeeding.
• Online educational programs offer a scalable solution for continuous professional development.
• Assessing baseline knowledge and knowledge gain is crucial for effective training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate baseline breastfeeding knowledge among nurses, nursing students, midwives, and nurse practitioners.
• To assess the knowledge gained after completing the online "Breastfeeding Basics" educational program.
• To identify specific knowledge gaps in breastfeeding education.

Main Methods:

• An anonymous evaluation of the "Breastfeeding Basics" online program was conducted.
• Data from 3736 nurses, 728 nurse practitioners/midwives, and 3106 nursing students in the US were analyzed.
• Pretest and posttest scores were compared to measure knowledge gained, with analysis of demographic variables.

Main Results:

• Lower median pretest scores were observed in student nurses, males, those required to take the course, and individuals without personal breastfeeding experience.
• The lowest baseline knowledge was found in modules on "Anatomy/Physiology" and "Growth and Development of the Breastfed Infant."
• Posttest scores significantly increased across all modules (p < .001), indicating knowledge improvement.

Conclusions:

• The "Breastfeeding Basics" program was widely utilized by nursing professionals and students.
• Identified knowledge gaps in breastfeeding exist among nurses, particularly in specific demographic groups and subject areas.
• The online program effectively enhanced breastfeeding knowledge for all participants.