Instructional Design, Industry Partnerships, and QR Codes Improve Nursing Competency Evaluation

J Contin Educ Nurs. 2024 Sep;55(9):425-432. doi: 10.3928/00220124-20240617-01. Epub 2024 Jun 24.

Abstract

Background: New medical devices are frequently introduced at the point of care, and nursing competence in their management is critical for safe patient care. Industry vendors often provide on-the-job in-services for new devices within the constraints of clinical priorities, yet these in-services are not usually monitored or systematically coordinated with stakeholders.

Method: This project employed quick response (QR) codes and best practices in instructional design in a partnership with vendors to develop and evaluate the impact of an in-service for a new medical device on nursing competence. An online survey measured usefulness, knowledge, and the change in self-perceived competence.

Discussion: A total of 536 nurses participated, and 91.2% correctly answered five or six of six questions about device management. The proportion of nurses rating their competence as no experience decreased from 21.2% to 4.5%, and ratings for can do independently/competent increased from 37.6% to 60.2%.

Conclusion: The use of QR codes offers novel solutions to evaluate how structured, on-the-job education can positively impact nursing practice around medical devices. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2024;55(9):425-432.].

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Clinical Competence* / standards
  • Curriculum
  • Education, Nursing, Continuing* / organization & administration
  • Equipment and Supplies / standards
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital / education
  • Surveys and Questionnaires