AB1417-HPR RHEUMATOLOGY NURSE PRACTICE: EDUCATION TO IMPROVE THE UNDERSTANDING OF RHEUMATIC DISEASES

Abstract

Background Rheumatology Nurse Practice is an accredited educational initiative spearheaded by members of the Rheumatology Nurses Societys Board of Directors and Education Department that has been ongoing for the last 10 years. It involves a combination of print issues and live broadcasts geared toward rheumatology nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. In 2017, nine evidence-based print issues were published along with nine corresponding case-based live broadcasts using the Google Hangouts On Air platform. To gauge the impact of this education, a special cohort of 100 learners was recruited at the start of 2017 to provide in-depth feedback through the completion of detailed pre- and post- activity surveys. This abstract focuses on feedback from four issues of Rheumatology Nurse Practice that centered on the following topics: New Insights into the Treatment of the Spondyloarthropathies Looking at the Horizon: What Does the Future Hold in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis? The Pathophysiology of Spondyloarthritis: Connecting and Differentiating Characteristics The Pathophysiology of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Nursing Primer Objectives To gauge improvements in learners knowledge, competence, and performance as a result of this education. Specific learning objectives were tied to each print issue of Rheumatology Nurse Practice and served as the basis for the pre- and post-activity surveys. Methods Each print issue contained a combination of evidence-based content related to the main theme, along with a series of individual essays written by activity faculty members. These essays all also linked to the main theme of the issue. Live broadcasts were intended to bring a real-life, case-based perspective to the education. Results Improvements of >25% in both knowledge and competence were noted between pre- vs. post-activity cohort surveys for all issues in this initiative. Learners also provided extensive feedback regarding specific areas of improvement within their day-to-day practice based on the education. Conclusion Print issues and online broadcasts within the Rheumatology Nurse Practice initiative are valued resources, dealing with sensitive and challenging issues faced by practicing rheumatology nurses and nurse practitioners in a clinically-meaningful manner Survey cohort participants showed a substantial improvement in their understanding of a variety of rheumatic diseases and improved their ability to communicate with patients about disease diagnosis and treatment options.