Using Podcasts for Professional Development of Maternal-Child Nurses: Knowledge and Perceptions of Confidence and Anxiety with Clinical Decision Making

Abstract

It has been over two decades since the Institute of Medicine identified medical errors as a leading cause of death in the United States, however errors of omission remain the most common medical error. Clinical decision making (CDM) requires effective communication skills and can help to reduce errors. Registered Nurses (RNs) require education to properly use clinical decision tools. This QI project occurred on a single maternal child unit. The primary purpose was to assess the impact of podcast-based learning, specific to unit use of Bilitool™ and unit policy on neonatal hypoglycemia, on self-perceptions of CDM confidence and anxiety. The secondary aims were to: (1) evaluate nurses’ knowledge post-podcast listening, (2) evaluate the preference and usability of the podcast-based learning, and (3) compare various demographic characteristics with outcomes. The project leader developed a podcasts series that guided the listener through risk factors, causes of hypoglycemia and jaundice, and reviewed proper use of clinical decision aides. The RNs (N=11) completed data collection at three time points. RNs completed the NASC-CDM© tool pre-listening and 10-weeks post go-live. The NASC-CDM© tool explores three dimensions of CDM. Scores were totaled for the full tool and each dimension. Results indicated that self-confidence scores increased significantly, and anxiety scores decreased in all three dimensions. RNs completed a scenario-based knowledge questionnaire two- and 10-weeks post podcasts go-live. Results showed improved reporting of key clinical data for jaundice and hypoglycemia after podcast listening. However, several errors of omission continued at week 10 (i.e., failure to report ‘no significant maternal history). Mean NASC-CDM© scores were not significantly correlated with years of RN or years of maternal child nursing experience. This highlights that RN work experience alone is not enough to impact CDM confidence and anxiety. Finally, participants evaluated the use of podcast-learning for their education with 81.8% of participants indicating they would prefer the use of podcasts in the future. Using podcasts for professional development allows the learner to listen in short segments, and standardize the information provided for use of unit tools or protocols.