Pilot testing of a computer-based self-instructional module on organ donation for improvement in knowledge and acceptability of nurses working in the intensive care unit of a tertiary care institute

Objectives: Nurses are an integral team member in intensive care units (ICU) and can play important role in facilitating the organ donation process. Hence, the sensitisation of these nurses is important. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of a computer based self-instruction module (CBSIM) in terms of improving the knowledge and acceptability of nurses in relation to organ donation. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, 56 nurses working in an ICU were enrolled using the total enumeration technique. After filling up of the demographic profile, nurses attempted online pre-test, containing 20 randomly selected multiple-choice questions (MCQs) from a validated and pre-tested question bank containing 150 MCQs. The intervention consisted of self-paced CBSIM containing nine modules on different aspects of organ donation. The intervention was completed in 25 ± 5 days, followed by an online post-intervention test. Acceptability of the CBSIM by nurses about organ donation was assessed as a secondary outcome on a 5-point Likert scale. Results: A significant gain in knowledge scores was observed after the CBSIM (4.9 ± 1.14 vs. 7.35 ± 1.34, P < 0.001) with high acceptability of CBSIM by most of the nurses (59.2%). Conclusion: CBSIM was effective in improving the knowledge of nurses related to organ donation and highly acceptable to most of the nurses working in ICU. Hence, CBSIM can be used as a method of learning for nurses.