Effect of e-learning program on risk assessment and pressure ulcer classification - A randomized study.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare education
• Nursing informatics
• Patient safety

Background:

• Pressure ulcers (PUs) are a significant healthcare concern.
• Effective prevention relies on staff competency in PU classification and risk assessment.
• A need exists for accessible PU educational programs in Norway.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an e-learning program for pressure ulcer risk assessment and classification.
• To compare the effectiveness of e-learning versus traditional classroom education for nurses.

Main Methods:

• Forty-four nurses were randomized into e-learning (intervention) or classroom (control) groups.
• Data on risk assessment and classification accuracy were collected pre-training, post-training, and at three months.
• Inter-rater reliability and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for analysis.

Main Results:

• The e-learning group showed significantly higher accuracy in pressure ulcer classification immediately after training compared to the control group.
• No significant differences in classification skills were observed between groups after three months.
• E-learning did not improve Braden subscale scoring in either group.

Conclusions:

• E-learning offers a short-term advantage in improving nurses' pressure ulcer classification accuracy over traditional methods.
• Neither educational approach demonstrated a significant long-term impact on classification skills or Braden scoring proficiency.
• Further research is needed to optimize e-learning for sustained improvements in PU prevention competencies.