Authors (including presenting author) :
Tsang NP(1),Lam MH(2),Isabella Fong LY(3)
Affiliation :
(1)Geriatric and Rehabilitation Service, Department of Medicine, Haven of Hope Hospital
Introduction :
Keeping abreast of the latest evidence-based nursing knowledge is important for improving quality of nursing care. The Nursing Knowledge Enhancement Program (NKEP) was therefore developed for achieving this goal. Junior Registered Nurses (RNs) are encouraged to present the up-to-date nursing knowledge while the senior RNs and Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) provide the guidance to facilitate better integration of knowledge and practice.
Objectives :
To evaluate the outcomes of NKEP, a study was conducted to examine participants’ views on the program, such as effectiveness of enhancing up-to-date nursing knowledge, the advantage of program compared with the zoom learning, their subjective satisfaction, self-confidence and sense of belonging for being nurses.
Methodology :
Seven sessions of NKEP were conducted in two geriatrics and rehabilitation wards of Haven of Hope Hospital in 2020. Junior RNs presented a topic (e.g. nursing care of tracheostomy tube, diabetes care, and end-of-life care) in each one-hour session which aims to enhance participants’ nursing knowledge. An APN or a senior RN was assigned to each presenter for providing support and guidance. Nurses with all ranks were welcomed to join the program. Participants were invited to complete an online questionnaire at the end of 2020. They were asked to rate items which reflect their views on the program with a five-point Likert scale. An open-ended question was included to ask for their suggestions on the program.
Result & Outcome :
A total of 88 participant-attendances were recorded. Twenty-seven completed questionnaires were received. Ratio of senior to junior nurses participation was nearly 1:1. All participants (100%) agreed or strongly agreed that the NKEP could equip nursing staff with up-to-date nursing knowledge. All (100%) agreed that NKEP offers more interactive learning when compared with Zoom learning. Around 96% agreed that NKEP enhanced their self-confidence and sense of belonging for being nurses. About 92% of participants agreed that they have high motivation for joining the program again. Overall satisfaction rate for the NKEP was 92%. Participants suggested that CNE points could be given for joining the NKEP in future.
This study reported nurses’ participation in NKEP in 2020 during the epidemic of COVID-19. Despite the pandemic, our findings are encouraging and showed that the NKEP continues to flourish with the concerted efforts of all nursing colleagues.
