Bloody Good! The Impact of eLearning on Medical and Nursing Practice

Abstract

Blood transfusion is a commonly-performed medical procedure that improves and saves the lives of patients. However, this procedure also has significant risks, is sometimes used inappropriately and has substantial costs associated with the collection, testing, processing and distribution of blood and blood products. BloodSafe eLearning Australia (BEA) ( www.bloodsafelearning.org.au) is an education program for Australian doctors, nurses and midwives, designed to improve the safety and quality of clinical transfusion practice. Courses are interactive and include case studies, videos, and best-practice tips. Successful completion of a multiple-choice assessment provides learners with a certificate of completion. To date there are more than 400,000 registered learners, from more than 1500 organisations, who have completed more than 765,000 courses. Stakeholder feedback shows that the program: provides credible, consistent education across Australia; is cost effective; reduces duplication; is ‘best-practice’ elearning that is readily accessible; allows institutions to focus on practical aspects of transfusion education; results in change to clinical practice; and supports the broader implementation of a blood management strategy in Australia. User evaluation shows that the courses have a positive impact, with 89% of respondents stating they had gained additional knowledge of transfusion practice, processes and/or policy and more than 87% reporting they will make, or have made, changes to their work practices which will improve patient safety and outcomes. The BloodSafe eLearning Australia program provides education to a large number of health professionals across Australia. Evaluation demonstrates that these courses provide users with a consistent and reliable knowledge base that translates into changes to practice and improved patient outcomes.