Evaluation of a Web-based learning system for skills in removing personal protective equipment for highly infectious diseases-A randomized controlled trial.

Objective: Which educational method is best for 3-month retention of proper skills in removing personal protective equipment (PPE) in the setting of highly infectious diseases is unclear. We evaluated the effectiveness of a Web-based learning system after 3 months of use.

Setting: One general hospital in Japan.

Intervention: We conducted a randomized, nonblinded, parallel-group trial with 35 nurses using the substitution block method. At baseline, both groups received face-to-face training in putting on and removing PPE. The intervention group was given access to the Web-based learning system we developed using Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment (Moodle). After 3 months, we assessed both groups regarding knowledge and skills in removing PPE using a 34-point test, fluorescent markers, and video recordings.

Results: Overall, 34 participants completed the trial: 16 in the intervention group and 18 in the control group. Postintervention knowledge test scores (1.3 vs -0.8; P = .013; effect size r = .42) and deviations from the required procedure (-5.4 vs 1.9; P = .001; effect size r = .55) were significantly better in the intervention group than in the control group. The number of contaminated sites (-0.5 vs 0.4; P = .128; effect size r = .26) and contaminated participants (-18.7% vs 11.1% decreased in the intervention group, and increased in the control group, although this was not significant (P = .242; effect size ϕ = .47).

Conclusions: This learning system was an effective educational method in maintaining and improving knowledge of proper PPE removal skills. The number of deviations from the required procedure decreased, and this reduction continued after 3 months.

Clinical trials identifier: Evaluation of the Web materials for learning PPE removal skills in the setting of highly infectious diseases. University Hospital Medical Information Network, UMIN000042725: https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000048767.