Effectiveness of Web Based Training system on Knowledge and Skills for Pandemic Preparedness and Response among Frontline Nurses in Zanzibar

Abstract

Background Web based learning can provide nurses with the opportunity to develop new knowledge and skills for management and prevention of diseases [1] including the emergence outbreak. However, with regard to covid-19 outbreak in Zanzibar only traditional method of face-to-face was employed to train nurses which resulted into a very low number of nurses who received proper training on prevention and management of covid-19. Aim To design and tests the effect of web based training tool on knowledge and skills for pandemic preparedness and responses among frontline nurses from Zanzibar. Methods A pre-posttest single group quasi-experimental study was conducted in set of 139 nurses from Zanzibar to compare change in knowledge and skills followed by web based educational intervention. A web based training system was developed by researcher, learning content were adapted and modified from CDC, WHO and MoHCDGEC Tanzania. A computer-generated questionnaire with a total of 60 items was used and data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results Findings from the study indicates significant change in the knowledge scores followed by web based intervention with mean difference of 3.58 (P < 0.001) and cognitive skills scores, mean difference of 3.07 (P < 0.001). Only baseline scores were found to be significant predictors for changes among covariates (β = -0.66 and P < 0.001) for knowledge and (β= -0.62, and P <0.001) for cognitive skills. The range of system rating by users was varied across quality and usability variables from (M = 2.50, SD = 1.265) to (M = 4.04, SD = 1.188) indicating the level of satisfaction toward the developed web based system. Conclusion The developed web-based system was successful improved nurses’ knowledge and skills for pandemic preparedness and response. Nurses positively evaluated the system in term of quality and usability.