Staff experiences of a newly developed blended learning program to improve diabetes management at orthopedic clinics.

BACKGROUND

Errors in diabetes treatment are among the most frequently reported adverse events in hospitals and orthopaedic care. This study aimed to identify the learning needs of orthopaedic staff, develop a blended diabetes learning programme, and examine orthopaedic staff experiences of participating in the programme.

METHODS

Nurses and physicians from endocrinological and orthopedic wards at three hospitals in the capital region of Denmark (Bispebjerg, Herlev, Nordsjællands Hospitals) participated in group concept mapping. A total of 193 orthopedic staffmembers completed an e-learning module and 174 attended one of 12 face-to-face classes. We used thematic analysis to analyze data from four focus group interviews (n = 14 nurses) and observations from face-to-face classes.

RESULTS

We identified 12 learning objectives and identified three overall themes from thematic analysis: learning through cases, combining e-learning and face-to-face courses, and from learning to practice. These themes explained processes and contexts that facilitated or inhibited learning.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified several key contexts (time, place, level of knowledge, nurse seniority, organisational support) and critical processes (educators' facilitation, scaffolding, case-based learning) that influence physicians and nurses learning experience and applying it in practice.