Occupational Hand Dermatitis in Health Care: Development and Evaluation of an Online Training E-Module.

Abstract

Background: Occupational hand dermatitis (OHD) is an important health concern for health care workers (HCWs), yet there is a lack of accessible training materials on this topic. Objectives: The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate an OHD training e-module for HCWs. Methods: The e-module was created in collaboration with an expert advisory committee and tested by Ontario HCWs through pre- and post-training OHD knowledge tests, a usability survey, and a survey about intent to change work skin care practices. Analyses of survey results included means and paired t-tests. Results: The 10-minute OHD training e-module for HCWs was tested by 254 HCWs and found to be highly usable, to increase OHD knowledge immediately and sustainably, and to change workplace skin care practices. Average OHD knowledge test scores significantly improved by 19% between the pretest (64.50%) and post-test (83.50%). Most 6-month follow-up survey respondents reported changing their skin care work practices (76.69%). Conclusions: This research addresses the previous lack of accessible OHD training for workers in health care settings. The creation and evaluation of a no-cost accessible OHD training e-module for workers in health care settings showed promising results across knowledge increase, knowledge retention, skin care behavior changes, and usability.