EFFECTIVENESS OF AN EDUCATIONAL APPLICATION ON NURSING CLINICAL PATHWAYS – THE QUALITY RESULTS OF AGILITY PROJECT
V. Boutopoulou1, E. Zoulias1, E. Vlachioti2, D. Pappa2, S. Giorgiev3, A. Yanakieva3, S. Lazova3, V. Matziou1
Introduction:
The primary objective of the AGILITY project is to develop a simulation-based learning module focused on clinical pathways education for professional pediatric nurses. This is based on the understanding that nurses in decentralized areas do not have adequate opportunities for training. Furthermore, data-driven clinical guidelines provide well-documented interventions for the clinical decision-making process.
Methods:
An international consortium consisting of three partners from two European countries, Greece and Bulgaria, with complementary knowledge and backgrounds, was established under Erasmus+ funding. Four learning modules were developed (bronchiolitis, asthma, drowning, and cardiopulmonary arrest), each including an electronic application for training in clinical pathways. Participants received the educational material, including the application, and studied it asynchronously for three days. They then had the opportunity for feedback during a synchronous remote meeting. The application was developed using the Appinventor platform. Pre and post semi-structured interviews were conducted, consisting of eight questions. The researcher created a discussion environment and, after posing the question to the participants, allowed them to elaborate on their experiences.
Results:
Fifteen nurses working in district areas (islands and remote border areas) were recruited for the training program. The qualitative analysis of the interviews identified small units of meaning, and codes were formulated, including words such as ease of use, immediacy, access, knowledge, and satisfaction. The analysis of the responses indicated increased participant satisfaction with the use of the application, ease of use, and ease of application during emergencies. Participants emphasized that the application is an essential tool for managing emergency situations in remote areas where access to educational activities and information is limited.
Conclusions:
The AGILITY project developed an electronic application for clinical pathways education to manage urgent pediatric clinical situations. The qualitative study highlighted the effectiveness of the application, emphasizing the need for the development of a comprehensive educational tool for optimal care provision in healthcare structures in remote areas.
Keywords: Education, district areas, mobile app, effectiveness, clinical pathways.