Demonstrating the effectiveness of an online, computer-based learning module for arterial blood gas analysis.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of a computer-based learning module specific to arterial blood gas (ABG) interpretation.

DESIGN: A pretest and posttest design was used to assess staff nurses' ability to interpret ABGs before and after engaging in a computer-based module.

SETTING: Two community hospitals in northern Illinois.

SAMPLE: Fifty-eight staff nurses completed the online learning module and the pretest and posttest measures.

METHODS: Subjects consented to participate and completed a pretest measure of their knowledge of ABG interpretation. Subjects participated in a computer-based learning module on ABG interpretation and then completed a posttest.

FINDINGS: Staff nurses' knowledge increased significantly after viewing the computer-based learning module (t = 6.3; P < .001). This improvement was irrespective of experience or department.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Computer-based, online learning has emerged as a means of providing continuing education to nurses. Such a teaching strategy helps to overcome barriers pertinent to traditional classroom settings.