Impact of Repetitive Text Messages on Retention of Knowledge

J Contin Educ Nurs. 2019 Sep 1;50(9):399-403. doi: 10.3928/00220124-20190814-05.

Abstract

Background: Because of frequent changes in health care, nursing requires lifelong learning. Information learned in nursing school is not enough. To deliver quality patient care throughout their career, nurses need to keep up with these changes.

Method: This quantitative study explored using repetitive text messaging to improve retention of information to help nurses keep up with the perpetual changes in nursing. Participants attended a class, took an examination, and then were placed randomly in either a control or an experimental group. The experimental group received text messages with key details from the class, whereas the control group did not receive text messages. Participants took the examination again and group pretest-posttest scores were compared.

Results: The experimental group showed statistically significant improvement in the final examination scores, whereas the control group showed no significant difference.

Conclusion: The results demonstrated that repetitive text messaging can be used to enhance retention of information. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2019;50(9):399-403.].

MeSH terms

  • Education, Nursing, Continuing*
  • Educational Measurement*
  • Florida
  • Humans
  • Retention, Psychology*
  • Text Messaging*