Computer-assisted instruction for home study: a new venture for continuing education programs in nursing

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Pharmacokinetics
• Digital Learning

Background:

• Advanced practice nurses (APNs) engaged with a 5-contact hour home-study computer-assisted instructional (CAI) program focused on pharmacokinetics.
• The program was developed by the study's author.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a CAI program in pharmacokinetics for APNs.
• To assess changes in knowledge and self-efficacy among APN participants.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-seven APNs participated, comparing CAI to traditional lecture-based continuing education.
• Knowledge tests and self-efficacy questionnaires were administered pre- and post-program use.

Main Results:

• Participants achieved significant improvements in both knowledge and self-efficacy.
• Large effect sizes indicated substantial gains from the CAI program.
• Users appreciated the program's convenience, user-friendliness, graphics, and interactive elements.

Conclusions:

• Home-study CAI presents a viable alternative to traditional printed materials and lecture-based continuing education for nurses.
• Computer-based learning demonstrates potential for effective nursing professional development.