P J Neafsey1. 1. School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Storrs 06269-3059, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: 18 advanced practice nurses (APNs) evaluated a two contact hour home-study computer-assisted instructional (CAI) program on the pharmacology of alcohol developed by the author. Changes in knowledge and self-efficacy were measured immediately following program use and 5 months later. METHOD: The APNs were recruited from two seminar sections of a traditional lecture-based continuing education course for nurses enrolled in a primary care nurse practitioner program. Participants completed cognitive and self-efficacy instruments in class pre-program use and 5 months post-program use. The APNs completed immediate post-program evaluation instruments at home and returned them by mail. RESULTS: Significant gains in knowledge and self-efficacy with large effect sizes were achieved immediately following program use. Cognitive and self-efficacy scores decayed significantly 5 months post-program use but were still significantly greater than pre-program scores. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that continuing education in substance misuse or other pharmacology content may be effectively implemented at home via CAI.
BACKGROUND: 18 advanced practice nurses (APNs) evaluated a two contact hour home-study computer-assisted instructional (CAI) program on the pharmacology of alcohol developed by the author. Changes in knowledge and self-efficacy were measured immediately following program use and 5 months later. METHOD: The APNs were recruited from two seminar sections of a traditional lecture-based continuing education course for nurses enrolled in a primary care nurse practitioner program. Participants completed cognitive and self-efficacy instruments in class pre-program use and 5 months post-program use. The APNs completed immediate post-program evaluation instruments at home and returned them by mail. RESULTS: Significant gains in knowledge and self-efficacy with large effect sizes were achieved immediately following program use. Cognitive and self-efficacy scores decayed significantly 5 months post-program use but were still significantly greater than pre-program scores. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that continuing education in substance misuse or other pharmacology content may be effectively implemented at home via CAI.