25. A randomised controlled trial to evaluate a novel CDRom learning package against the standard lecture training system for Research Governance in the teaching of new researchers responsibilities in an NHS trust (172)

Heather Rogers, Research Nurse Co-ordinator, Clinical Trials Unit, The Cardiothoracic Centre - Liverpool NHS Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom heather.rogers@ctc.nhs.uk

Abstract:

Background:

According to training records in 2005, Senior nurses at an NHS Trust were not accessing courses on Research Governance. Therefore, an innovative way of engaging nurses in Research Governance was required. Whilst there are a lot of education programmes for Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training in both computer assisted learning and lecture formats, there is little available for Research Governance training. There is some evidence that CDRom training may be more cost effective and service/learner friendly.

Method:

In 2006 131 nurses were approached to take part in a randomised controlled trial of CDRom versus lecture training, 24 were recruited. 12 were randomised to the lecture and given a presentation, together with a list of web sites containing further reading. The other 12 were given a CDRom with links to the web sites and further reading. All participants were then returned after 2 weeks to sit a multiple choice exam (MCQ) and satisfaction questionnaire.

Results:

Unfortunately only 9 of the 12 in the lecture arm attended the follow-up exam.. There was no significant difference in cost between the two teaching methods. On Intention to treat analysis cost effectiveness did show a significant difference. Learning proved to be significantly improved with the CDRom training with 39.99% more participants passing the MCQ . The CDRom received slightly more negative comments than the lecture.

Conclusion:

This trial has shown CDRom teaching to be more cost effective than Lecture teaching. It has also demonstrated superior learning in the CDRom arm of the trial. However, more negative free text comments were received from the CDRom participants and poor follow-up attendance made per protocol analysis underpowered. It is suggested that before commissioning further computer assisted learning programmes, evidence of their cost effectiveness is requested and a review of computer literacy amongst staff undertaken.

Biography:

I qualified as a nurse in 1988 and I am presently a Research nurse at the Cardiothoracic Centre LiverpooL NHS Trust assisting with commercial research into Cardiac and thoracic conditions and involved with implementing research governance within the trust. This study was undertaken as the final part of an Institute of Clinical Research MSc