BACKGROUND: Many entry-level and experienced healthcare professionals have
not received training in workplace violence prevention strategies.
OBJECTIVE: This paper describes the development, content, and initial
qualitative evaluation of an on-line course designed to give healthcare
workers an opportunity to acquire free workplace violence prevention
training while earning free continuing education units.
METHODS: A group of healthcare violence prevention researchers worked via
email and face-to-face meetings to decide appropriate content for the
course. Educational strategies used in the course include: text; video
re-enactments of real-life workplace violence incidents; and videos of
nurses discussing incidents of violence. Initial evaluation involved a focus
group of nurses to discuss the course content and navigation.
RESULTS: The on-line course has thirteen units that take approximately 15
minutes each to complete. The focus group participants liked the
``resume-where-you-left-off'' technology that enables the user to complete
any portion of the course, leave to do something, and return to the course
where they left off. Participants viewed the ``Nurses' Voices'' videos as
relevant illustrations of violence that nurses face in their workplaces.
CONCLUSIONS: The focus group participants considered the course to be an
effective learning tool for people new to the profession and for those with
seniority.
