Benchmarking best practices in Web-based nursing courses.

This article describes the framework and process to determine best practices in online learning communities for Web-based nursing courses. The benchmarks for best practices were determined based on evidence-based research in higher education. These quality indicators were then used to develop and pilot test a benchmarking survey across three state schools of nursing. The results of the pilot test, as well as the applications and implications for benchmarking best practices, are discussed.

Telecommunications and rural health care.

Telehealth has many applications, including the education and training of health professionals. This article describes the use of advanced telecommunications technology to educate family nurse practitioners in rural areas of Kansas. Four Kansas universities use compressed video technology (an interactive audio and video system) to offer five common core courses in primary care to students enrolled in FNP programs at the respective institutions. Using technology to educate FNPs in rural communities has resulted in a greater percentage of graduates (approximately 67% of 258 graduates) going to work in rural underserved communities. In addition to learning the course content, students learn to use technology as a tool to access telehealth information and services Knowing how to use these technologies provides greater opportunities to rural health care providers, as well as the recipients of health care.

Case management: within and beyond the walls.

Results of this study demonstrated no significant differences in the frequency of the instrumental use of case management skills between nurses who graduated from the NAMFE program (NAMFE group) and those who were about to enter the program (comparison group); however, there was a significant difference (p < .0001 level) in the perceived preparation for performance of these skills between the two groups. Currently, few educational programs provide nurses with the essential knowledge and skills to function in the role of case manager; yet, the job market demands it of them. The program was able to fill the gap between education and service. Although the NAMFE course no longer is available for continuing education credit through the University of Kansas School of Nursing, the course currently is offered as an elective for senior level students and graduate students. Also, the curriculum materials and teaching strategies manuals, developed as part of this grant, and consultations regarding the use of these materials are available.

Impact evaluation of a statewide continuing education program.

A pre/posttreatment design was used to assess the impact of a statewide continuing education program on the case management knowledge and skills level of nurse participants. To accomplish this task, three instruments were developed and utilized: a demographic questionnaire, the pre- and postcognitive assessments for each learning module, and the Competency Behaviors of the Case Managers Inventory (CBCMI). Results indicated a significant difference (p less than .0001) in knowledge and perceived performance for the 57 subjects who participated in this study. These findings suggested that continuing education does impact the professional performance and practice of nursing.