Effects of an Online Educational Module on School Nurses' Knowledge of HPV Vaccination

Results of a previous state-wide survey revealed generally low knowledge levels about HPV vaccination among school nurses in Missouri. A short, online educational module targeted to address the specific low-scoring items was then created.

All 440 lead school nurses in Missouri were invited by e-mail to participate in an online HPV educational module and study. The e-mail contained a link to the module that included a consent form, a test, and a downloadable completion certificate. The test consisted of 12 multiple choice and true-or-false items based directly on the content contained in the module. An independent samples t test was used to determine pre-post differences in mean test scores.

Scores improved significantly (p < .05) pre-post intervention; however, surveillance or epidemiology-related questions were still commonly missed.

Using brief, targeted, online trainings to improve knowledge of specific health-related content may be a practical option for busy school nurses. J Contin Educ Nurs. 2017;48(9):431-436.