Feasibility of Implementing a Web-Based Education Program in Geriatric Pain and Depression for Home Health Care Nurses

Abstract

Despite a major shift in the care of older adults from acute care to home health, few home health care nurses are adequately prepared to manage the complex needs of geriatric patients. This study examined the feasibility of a web-based education program to help nurses improve their treatment of geriatric pain and depression. Nurses’ knowledge, confidence, and attitudes were assessed before and 3 months after a web-based education program. Nurses randomized to the experimental group showed significant improvement in attitudes 3 months after the intervention, however little long-term retention of knowledge. This study showed it is feasible to perform web-based geriatric training to nurses in home health care, though it needs to be accompanied by structural and procedural changes in care for long-term success.