Implementation of Required Electronic Learning Modules to Enhance Nursing Pharmacotherapy Knowledge of Select Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Topics

Background The care of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients is complex. Both autologous and allogeneic HSCT patients require high level, expert nursing care to help attain optimal outcomes. For smaller transplant programs, nursing exposure to these complex patients and their potentially devastating complications is often rare. In order to increase nursing awareness on these topics, especially as it relates to pharmacotherapeutic interventions, supplementary education is necessary to maintain a high level of knowledge and understanding. Methods Multidisciplinary collaboration was imperative to the implementation of required electronic learning modules to enhance nursing pharmacotherapy knowledge. Attending physicians, transplant administrators, and most importantly bedside nurses were supportive of the endeavor. A survey was sent to nursing staff to obtain information on the topics they would find most beneficial. Based on a needs assessment survey, 3 initial electronic learning modules were developed which focused on pharmacotherapy surrounding conditioning regimens, acute graft versus host disease, and sinusoidal obstructive syndrome. Each module was developed in collaboration with an electronic learning developer as a 15-20 minute presentation with a test following each session. Nurses were allowed 3 attempts at each test, with a passing score set at 80%. If a nurse failed to pass a test after 3 attempts, they were required to meet with the nurse educator. Completion of each module was required for nurses to continue to care for HSCT patients at the institution. Results Of nurses surveyed, 100% were supportive of the development of required electronic learning modules. Three electronic modules have been developed and implemented thus far. Thirty two nurses have completed each of the 3 modules successfully. The average scores for the conditioning regimen module, acute graft versus host disease module, and sinusoidal obstructive syndrome module were 89%, 87%, and 87% respectively. No nurse timed out of the modules by failing 3 attempts at the test. Based on nursing surveys, additional modules have been identified including but not limited to treatment of viral infections, treatment of fungal infections, transplant associated thrombotic microangiopathy, and neutropenic fever. Conclusions Implementation of electronic learning modules has been successful at enhancing nursing pharmacotherapy knowledge of select HSCT topics. These modules serve as a successful means for providing annual competency and comfort for nurses in a smaller transplant program, especially when their exposure to certain complications is low.