Improving Infection Control Education for Nurses Using Self-Learning Modules: An Infection Control Project

ISSUE: Beth Israel Medical Center (BIMC)—Petrie Division is an 850-bed tertiary-care hospital located in New York City. The Infection Control Department (IC) has made major efforts to educate all levels of staff on infection control policies and practices. Because the nursing staff has very complicated work schedules, a self-learning module was developed to improve education on infection control topics for this group and to supplement traditional formal education sessions. PROJECT: To measure the effectiveness of the self-learning module and to solicit feedback, a quiz was administered to nurse managers, intensive care unit (ICU) nurses, and floor nurses. A pre- and post-test format was used to assess their knowledge on infection control from the self-learning module. RESULTS: The median score of the pretest was 80%. Knowledge deficits were noted in some of the major areas of infection control such as multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), bloodborne pathogens, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPEs). The average score for the groups in the area of MDROs was 50%; bloodborne pathogens, 42%; and PPEs, 54%. After the pretest results were reviewed, these areas were targeted and emphasized through the self-learning module and formal interactive teaching sessions. A post-test was given, and improvement was seen for those key areas. In the area of MDROs, the score increased to 57%, to 85% in bloodborne pathogens, and to 75% and in PPEs. LESSONS LEARNED: For education to be effective, strategies must be developed that target specific groups and account for complicated work schedules and provide autonomy and independent learning. Because nursing staff play a key role in preventing and reducing infections, efforts to identify knowledge gaps are important. The self-learning module and quiz identified problem areas, provided education, and decreased some gaps in infection control education for this group. Based on the post-test scores, educational efforts will continue. The nurses approved of the intervention and provided very positive feedback.