NURS FPX 6109 Assessment 1 Vila Health: Educational Technology Needs Assessment

NURS FPX 6109 Assessment 1 Vila Health: Educational Technology Needs Assessment

Student Name

Capella University

NURS-FPX 6109 Integrating Technology into Nursing Education

Prof. Name:

Date

Vila Health: Educational Technology Needs Assessment

Integrating technology into nursing education is pivotal in enhancing patient care and fostering professional development in modern healthcare settings. Healthcare facilities represent a microcosm of this trend, utilizing various educational technologies to keep their nursing staff informed and adept in the ever-evolving medical care field. This assessment delves deep into the current utilization of educational technology within these facilities, contrasting it with best practices in the industry. By examining metrics, aligning technological tools with the facility’s strategic mission, and offering evidence-based recommendations, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview that could guide healthcare facilities’ future endeavors in optimizing nursing education through technology.

Current Usage of Educational Technology in the Chosen Setting

In healthcare facilities, nurses extensively leverage educational technology to enhance patient care, promote collaborative communication, and facilitate continuous professional growth. Simulation equipment, a cornerstone of clinical training, allows nurses to practice and refine their skills in a controlled, realistic environment. This technology is key in reducing potential clinical errors and improving the confidence of nursing staff, as noted by (Al-Hassan & Omari, 2023), who emphasizes the value of simulation in enhancing clinical competence.

Furthermore, nurses often engage in e-learning modules for professional development. These online modules, accessible via tablets and computers, cover topics ranging from patient care best practices to new medical research. The asynchronous nature of these e-learning modules allows nurses to fit learning into their hectic schedules, ensuring continuous learning without hampering patient care.

NURS FPX 6109 Assessment 1 Vila Health: Educational Technology Needs Assessment

However, for a more comprehensive understanding of the exact impact and utilization of these technologies, certain information currently needs to be provided. Firstly, detailed metrics regarding the frequency and duration of nurses’ engagement with educational modules must be included. This data would provide insights into which modules are deemed most relevant by the nursing staff and which might need enhancements. Additionally, the direct feedback from nurses regarding the effectiveness, applicability, and relevance of the e-learning content would offer a deeper perspective on areas of improvement.

This feedback could uncover gaps in content or highlight areas where more advanced technology, like virtual reality or augmented reality, could be incorporated for a richer learning experience (Saab et al., 2021). Lastly, an underlying assumption in this description is that all nurses at healthcare facilities have equal access to and are proficient in using the provided educational technologies. This might not be the case, as different age groups or educational backgrounds among nurses could lead to varying degrees of tech-savviness and comfort with the tools. Ensuring that all nurses are adequately trained and comfortable with these tools is crucial to maximizing the benefits of the educational technology in place.

Comparison of Current and Desired State of Educational Technology

NURS FPX 6109 Assessment 1 Vila Health: Educational Technology Needs Assessment

Based on the SWOT analysis, it is evident that the current use of educational technology at healthcare facilities needs refinement. One of the paramount needs is the revision and updating of the e-learning content, particularly about best practices in opioid prescription. A study by Ronchi (2019), emphasizes the importance of e-learning modules that equip nurses with critical knowledge on medication management, patient education, and monitoring, enhancing the overall safety and quality of patient care. Furthermore, integrating the Clinical Decision Support system with our Learning Management System will ensure that training aligns with evolving patient care data, enhancing the potential for improved health outcomes.

The suggestion to introduce an internal wiki for case managers and nurses stems from its proven efficacy in other healthcare settings. A study by Ayatollahi and Zeraatkar (2019), highlights the significant role internal wikis play in promoting knowledge sharing and collaborative learning. Our recommendations derive from a comprehensive comparison of healthcare facilities’ current tech usage against nursing education best practices, underpinned by current healthcare challenges like the opioid crisis. Insights from Banka-Cullen et al. (2023), further emphasize the urgent need for our proposed changes to ensure professional development and enhanced patient care.

Assessment of Metrics for Educational Technology Benefits

Within healthcare facilities, the metrics currently employed to determine the advantages of educational technology primarily focus on the quantity, such as the number of e-learning modules completed and patient feedback concerning care quality. A significant gap is apparent in these metrics. While counting the e-learning modules finished provides a quantitative insight into engagement levels, it does not necessarily correlate with the genuine understanding or application of the knowledge gained. A study by Brunet et al. (2020), underscores this issue, suggesting that more than merely completing online modules is needed to guarantee competency in real-world applications.

Patient feedback on care quality, on the other hand, gives an indirect indication of training effectiveness. However, patient feedback can be influenced by many factors and might only sometimes be a direct reflection of the quality of nurse education or its application. From this assessment, the existing metrics need to sufficiently encapsulate the actual effectiveness of the training when applied in practice. They need more depth to gauge how well nurses understand and apply their e-learning in real-world scenarios.

To rectify this, healthcare facilities should consider incorporating post-training assessments that measure comprehension and retention. Such assessments, according to a study by Saab et al. (2021), have been shown to improve long-term retention of information and provide a clearer picture of training effectiveness. Moreover, it would be prudent to track metrics related to the practical application of training in everyday nursing tasks. For instance, monitoring and analyzing error rates in areas covered by recent training could offer valuable insights. A study by Godsey et al. (2020), emphasized the role of practical metrics in training assessments, suggesting that they give a more direct measure of real-world competence.

Alignment of Educational Technology with Healthcare Facilities Strategic Mission

As stated in its strategic mission, healthcare facilities are dedicated to delivering high-quality, evidence-based patient care. To support this pivotal aim, educational technology has become an indispensable ally. A paramount concern for healthcare facilities is ensuring their nursing staff operates on the most recent knowledge and best practices. According to a study by Zhou et al. (2023), the complexity of medical care has been upward, stressing the importance of immediate access to cutting-edge research for healthcare professionals.

By leveraging e-learning platforms,  healthcare facilities ensure that nurses are equipped to provide care that aligns with contemporary medical standards. Moreover, an evidence-based approach, which sits at the core of healthcare facilities‘ mission, gains strength through technology integration. For instance, Clinical Decision Support systems are pivotal in this context. They not only assist in intricate patient cases but firmly root evidence-based care in every patient interaction. A publication by Mebrahtu et al. (2021), underscores the potency of such systems in minimizing errors and optimizing patient outcomes.

Furthermore, healthcare facilities‘ focus on the ongoing professional growth of its staff is amplified by educational technology. While traditional training avenues might be sporadic, digital platforms, as highlighted by a study from Ronchi (2019), present consistent, tailored learning experiences. This ensures nurses not only retain their proficiency but are also encouraged towards a trajectory of perpetual learning.

Recommendations

Improving nursing education within healthcare facilities requires a multipronged approach to address the evolving healthcare settings. A central recommendation is to revamp the e-learning modules, incorporating the latest opioid prescription guidelines to ensure nurses are well-equipped to manage and treat pain appropriately (Brunet et al., 2020). Additionally, the Clinical Decision Support System should be updated to encapsulate contemporary best practices.

Recognizing the shift towards holistic care, introducing content emphasizing non-opioid pain management strategies derived from the Alternative Medicine unit could provide a balanced approach to patient care. A consolidated internal wiki for case management is also pivotal, offering a repository for shared experiences and insights. To maintain consistency in care, it is also critical that visiting doctors undergo mandatory training to align with healthcare facilities’ education standards and best practices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, assessing educational technology usage within nursing education has demonstrated significant opportunities for improvement and enhancement. By embracing innovative technologies and aligning them with the strategic goals of enhancing patient care and supporting continual professional development, nursing education can be substantially improved.

The recommendations put forth, based on current usage and identified gaps, seek to elevate the quality of training and ensure that nurses are equipped with comprehensive, up-to-date knowledge and skills. While adopting new technologies and methodologies may present challenges, the long-term benefits for healthcare providers and patients are compelling. Through a commitment to ongoing assessment and refinement of educational technology, the nursing profession can continue to advance and meet the demands of modern healthcare with proficiency and confidence.

References

Al-Hassan, M., & Omari, E. A. (2023). Simulation as a Tool for continuous professional development unveiling excellence: Harnessing simulation for lifelong learning in nursing practice. Saudi Journal of Nursing and Health Care, 6(10), 346–353. https://doi.org/10.36348/sjnhc.2023.v06i10.005 

Ayatollahi, H., & Zeraatkar, K. (2019). Factors influencing the success of knowledge management in health care organizations: A literature review. Health Information & Libraries Journal, 37(2). https://doi.org/10.1111/hir.12285 

Banka-Cullen, S. P., Comiskey, C., Kelly, P., Zeni, M. B., Gutiérrez, A., & Menon, U. (2023). Nurse prescribing practices across the globe for medication-assisted treatment of the opioid use disorder (MOUD): A scoping review. Harm Reduction Journal, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-023-00812-y      

Brunet, N., Moore, D. T., Lendvai Wischik, D., Mattocks, K. M., & Rosen, M. I. (2020). Increasing buprenorphine access for veterans with opioid use disorder in rural clinics using telemedicine. Substance Abuse, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1080/08897077.2020.1728466 

NURS FPX 6109 Assessment 1 Vila Health: Educational Technology Needs Assessment

Godsey, J. A., Houghton, D. M., & Hayes, T. (2020). Registered nurse perceptions of factors contributing to the inconsistent brand image of the nursing profession. Nursing Outlook, 68(6), 808–821. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.06.005 

Mebrahtu, T. F., Bloor, K., Ledward, A., Keenan, A.-M., Andre, D., Randell, R., Skyrme, S., Yang, H., King, H., & Thompson, C. A. (2021). Effects of Computerised Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) on nursing and allied health professional performance and patient outcomes. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, p. 3. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd014699 

Ronchi, A. M. (2019). E-Health: Background, today’s implementation, and future trends. E-Services, 1–68. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-01842-9_1 

Saab, M. M., Hegarty, J., Murphy, D., & Landers, M. (2021). Incorporating virtual reality in nurse education: A qualitative study of nursing students’ perspectives. Nurse Education Today, p. 105, 105045. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2021.105045 

Zhou, X., Huang, Y.-B., Liu, Z., Wu, H., Huang, H.-Z., Tian, Y., Hong, S., Hu, H., Lijiang Lv, & Zhizhen Lv. (2023). Bibliometric analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging studies on manual therapy analgesia from 2002–2022. Journal of Pain Research, Volume 16, 2115–2129. https://doi.org/10.2147/jpr.s412658