Sustained Results: A learning management system platform which empowers and educates bedside staff

Title:Sustained Results via the Use of a 14 minute Learning Management System to Educate Bedside Staff on Pressure Ulcer Reduction and Treatment

 Purpose:  In 2010, a comprehensive wound care and documentation program via a learning management system to empower the bedside nurse to improve the patient’s wound care outcomes and appropriately utilize WOCN consultation was implemented.  In 2012, an assessment of sustainability was undertaken.  The objectives were:

• To reassess retention of knowledge of all nursing staff with the wound care and wound documentation modules
• To reassess the level of empowerment of the nurse with knowledge
• To quantify the number of hospital acquired pressure ulcers via a pressure ulcer prevalence and incidence study completed prior to retesting
• To quantify the number of appropriate and inappropriate WOCN consultation requests in the one year period

Methods:  A prevalence and incidence pressure ulcer survey was completed immediately prior to the retesting of the staff regarding wound care knowledge and documentation.  Immediately following, all bedside nurses were tasked to complete the online wound care and documentation exam.  

Results: After the two year period, anticipated projected results are as follows:

• Retention of knowledge was noted in 85% of bedside nursing staff
• 80% of bedside staff reported empowerment and confidence regarding their knowledge of the pressure ulcer prevention and treatment guidelines of the facility
• Quality patient outcomes:  Hospital Acquired Pressure Ulcers dropped by 95%
• Appropriate WOCN consultation remains above 90% in the two year period

Conclusion:  This study suggests that providing an accessible, user-friendly educational platform which is tailored to the current working culture of the bedside nurse promotes nursing empowerment, knowledge retention and quality patient outcomes.