A web-based educational module increases burn prevention knowledge over time

Abstract

Unfortunately, burn prevention knowledge is low among nurses. Establishing efficient ways in which to increase burn prevention knowledge in nurses is warranted. The current multi-center study evaluated whether a web-based educational module was successful at increasing burn prevention immediately and whether the knowledge was retained over time. A valid, reliable burn prevention knowledge exam was administered to nurse at three time points (prior to receiving the educational module, immediately following receiving the educational module, and at least a minimum of two weeks after receiving the educational module). Generalized linear mixed effects modeling methods were used to evaluate whether scores on the burn prevention knowledge exam increased over time, while adjusting for traditional covariates (e.g., specialty area, years as a nurse, and years in current work area). Mean scores on the burn prevention knowledge exam increased over time ( p = 0.003); establishing that the educational module significantly improves scores over time. Mean score prior to receiving the educational module was 82.3%; the mean score was 83.8% immediately following receiving the educational module, and 86.1% two weeks after receiving the educational module. The educational module developed by the authors ( www.burnpreventionstudy.org) is an efficient way in which to increase burn prevention knowledge and is available at their convenience. This education module could be used as a training module with nurses involved in burn prevention outreach, and with nurse practitioners, physicians, and emergency responders involved in primary care across the life span.