Effectiveness of e-Learning on Neonatal Nurses' Pain Knowledge and Pain Measurement Skills

Background: Reported benefits of virtual programs include user satisfaction and feasibility to train nurses to utilize pain scales. However, the effectiveness of the virtual neonatal pain management program on nurses' knowledge and scoring skill acquisition has not been examined. Purpose: This study developed a comprehensive virtual program on neonatal pain management and examined its effectiveness on nurses' knowledge and skill acquisition of selected pain scales. Methods: Evidence-based content was designed as a virtual program and pre-and posttests to examine skill and knowledge acquisition were developed and validated. Analysis of covariance was used to assess the differences from pre- to posttest based on the intensity of participants' involvement while examining the overall effectiveness of the program. Results: A total of 115 nurses representing 7 hospitals completed the virtual neonatal pain management program, and 52 nurses completed the posttest. The Student paired t test showed an increase in posttest scores from pretest scores among participants. Participants' final degrees and years of experience were not related to posttest scores. The analysis of covariance showed that the high study group had a significantly higher amount of change in total scores and pain measurement skill scores than the low study group on the posttest. Implications for Practice: The virtually delivered neonatal pain management program can be useful for nurses' attainment of knowledge and skills for managing neonatal pain, including an appropriate use of selected scoring tools. Implications for Research: It is necessary to examine how organizational unit attendance rate for e-learning and posttest results are related to patient outcomes.