Educating nurses caring for paediatric inflammatory bowel disease patients receiving biologics: the impact of a virtual event

Abstract

Background: A virtual educational and networking event took place for registered nurses caring for administering biologic therapy in paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients and their families. The aim was to establish the level of self-reported competencies of the nurses and to evaluate the impact that the event had on them. Methods: Participants were requested to complete an online questionnaire before and after the interprofessional education event. Results: Some 21 pre–event questionnaires were completed. Of these, 81% (17) reported no previous relevant training, 20% (4) did not feel competent in the administration of biologics and patient monitoring and 29% (6) did not feel competent to meet the patient's holistic needs. A total of 13 post-event evaluations were completed. All (13) agreed/strongly agreed with feeling more competent in caring for patients and 84.7% (11) agreed/strongly agreed with feeling more competent in administering and monitoring the biologic therapy. A total of 77% (10) of participants could identify changes to their practice post-event. Conclusion: This study highlighted the need for interprofessional education for nurses caring for paediatric inflammatory bowel disease patients, particularly where care is delivered in district general hospitals. Feedback demonstrated that virtual educational events are effective in raising self-reported nursing competencies and in ensuring high standards of practice.