Innovation in Nursing education - ECare-COPD. Self-management promotion in people with COPD

Abstract

Background: ECare-COPD is a project that aims to improve the nurse’s skills for the promotion of self-management of the disease in people with COPD. We developed an e-learning training programme (sponsored by the European Union). This innovative e-learning programme integrates education modules on self-management, pulmonary rehabilitation, supported by video and a web clinical virtual simulator (CVS).

Method: Participatory action research based on a cyclical process divided into five phases: diagnosis, action planning, implementation, assessment and identification of what was acquired.

A systematic literature review and scientometric analysis were performed to identify the contents to be included in the programme. These programme contents and clinical scenarios for the CVS (n=8) were organized and developed with the collaboration of a group of nurses with respiratory expertise. We assessed the easiness, usefulness and intention of nurses and nursing students to use the programme.

Results: The training programme was made available in three modules. The initial programme for nursing degree students was organized in 6 modules with 18 lessons; the intermediate programme for nurses was organized in 13 modules with 61 lessons; and the advanced programme for nursing specialists was organized in 19 modules with 82 lessons. The training programme was supported by more than 90 videos. The users showed easiness, usefulness and intention to use this programme in their nursing education.

Conclusion: This training programme responds to the demand for the dematerialization of nursing education and the intention of nurses to use information and communication technologies in education and lifelong learning.