Effectiveness of an e-learning tool for education on pressure ulcer evaluation

Aims and objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of information and communication technologies in the undergraduate students' pressure ulcer training as a learning tool, compared with traditional teaching methods. Background Pressure ulcers constitute one of the great challenges faced by nursing professionals. Currently, pressure ulcer training is based on traditional on-campus teaching, involving lecture-style classes with frequent use of photographs of the wounds. This traditional training has some important weaknesses that can put the efficacy of the training at risk. Design A randomised controlled trial was developed including undergraduate nursing students. Methods The intervention group used an adaptive self-learning e-learning tool developed by the research team (ePULab) for pressure ulcer assessment and treatment. The control group received a traditional on-campus class on the same topic. Pretest and post-test questionnaires were designed to assess the students' ability in pressure ulcer diagnosis and treatment. Results The educational intervention based on the use of the ePULab tool produced significantly better learning acquisition results than those obtained by traditional lecture-style classes: the total score improved in the control group from 8 center dot 23 (SD 1 center dot 23)-11 center dot 6 (SD 2 center dot 52) after the lecture, whereas in the intervention group, the knowledge score changed from 8 center dot 27 (SD 1 center dot 39)-15 center dot 83 (SD 2 center dot 52) (p=0 center dot 01) with the use of ePULab. Conclusions The results show a higher effectiveness of the devised e-learning approach for education on management of pressure ulcers. Relevance to clinical practice Our results reveal the suitability of the ePULab e-learning tool as an effective instrument for training on assessment of and treatment for pressure ulcers and its potential impact on clinical decision-making.