E-Learning in Obstetrics and HIV: Utilizing Online Interactive Scenarios to Replicate Critical Decision Making Moments

Abstract

<h2>Women’s Health Poster Presentation</h2><h3>Purpose for the Program</h3> The Mississippi Delta region is one of the most impoverished, medically underserved regions of the nation. This region's health disparities in HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and outcomes reflect the need to offer greater support and education to rural health care providers who may only occasionally see patients who are infected with HIV/AIDS. It is often difficult to provide this education to these health care providers because their presence within their practice is imperative, and thus it is difficult to attend face-to-face continuing education. This dilemma necessitates the delivery of education materials online. By delivering this content through interactive online modules, the learner is presented with case-based scenarios that elicit increased engagement and comprehension. The interactive component encourages decision making rather than reading the content, and therefore makes the learning process more real. Case-based learning leads to better decision-making skills. Assessing knowledge based on step-by-step procedures closely simulates situations that the health care providers might find themselves in. Because these courses are offered online, they can be accessed anytime, practically anywhere. <h3>Proposed Change</h3> Providing online interactive scenarios to rural health care providers regarding HIV care for the pregnant female and neonate has the potential to increase knowledge and preparedness on the part of the health care provider. <h3>Implementation, Outcomes, and Evaluation</h3> The AIDS Telehealth Training Center, entitled HIV Health Education, Assessment, and Research in Telehealth (HIV HEART) was created with the intent of improving access to HIV/AIDS evidence-based, culturally appropriate continuing education and collegial support for rural health care providers who have limited experience with rural patients infected with HIV/AIDS. In an effort to focus on quality over quantity, instructional designers created interactive case-based scenarios utilizing adult learning theory, which could be accessed through a customized learning management portal. These interactive modules go beyond the status quo of passive learning lectures, and require the learner to make critical decisions that affect the outcome of the patient featured in the online scenario. Knowledge competencies are shown through pretest and posttest assessment reports. The HIV team members will evaluate the findings and make changes as needed to educational methodologies and strategies for improving future online educational materials. <h3>Implications for Nursing Practice</h3> Multidisciplinary education is essential when caring for complex patients. Nurses and nurse practitioners are essential to provide comprehensive care for these medically complicated women and neonates. These interactive modules are easily disseminated to health care providers regardless of their practice settings or specialties.