Outcome Evaluation of Web Based Learning and Continuing Education Program for Maternal and Child Health Nursing and Other Professionals in Mongolia

Abstract

Objectives: Our aim was to develop a sustainable continuing education model for nurses in maternal and child health through examining the outcomes of a distance education intervention. Methods: An online anonymous survey was conducted to evaluate a web-based continuing education program used by nurses in Mongolia. Results: 356 people out of 699 (50.9%) of the people responded. Over 80% were nurses with average clinical experience 13.9 ± 9.9 years. The major reasons for participation were to broaden knowledge and skills (50.3%). Participants’ pride in being a nurse, and job satisfaction after the program increased (4.3/ 5.0) and they enjoyed interacting with foreign lecturers and participants by using IT technology (4.2/ 5.0). From analysis of their free text descriptions, the nurses who used the continuing education program hope to that the topics expand to include nursing ethics, nursing theories, and international standards, among others. The needs for hands-on skill training and improving teaching and technical skills were noted. Conclusion: Results revealed that the web-based continuing education program was well received. New knowledge and skills were widely shared and adapted into local contexts, including developing new clinical guidelines and manuals, enhanced revision of undergraduate curricular content and improved teaching methods. Job satisfaction amongst participants was increased after the intervention.