Developing education for e-professionalism-Mixed methods evaluation of the impact of an evidence based educational tool for nurses

Abstract

Background and objective: Research literature has long suggested a need for educational tools that raise awareness of e-professionalism, promote reflective practice and skills to manage what is shared publicly in social media. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of an evidence-based educational tool (Awareness to Action, A2A) on the topic of e-professionalism, designed specifically to raise [personal and professional] awareness about the risks associated with social media platforms and the information that is shared within them.

Methods: Realist action research, collecting quantitative and qualitative data via the A2A quiz and focus groups. 

Results: The A2A quiz was taken by n = 17 participants and n = 8 participants took part in the focus groups. Data showed that the tool was deemed as ‘really’ relevant to practice. Three main themes were found in the data 1) Defining and understanding e-professionalism, 2) The wider context of social media and e-professionalism and 3) The impact of the A2A tool.

Discussion and conclusions: Nurses and nursing students are aware of e-professionalism but less able to define it clearly, favouring practical examples of what they consider to be acceptable. The blurring of social-personal-professional boundaries is a challenge when using social media, as is the general nature of social media but the tool was deemed as helpful in navigating these challenges. Educational tools, such as the A2A tool can have a positive impact on nurses, students and - as it is free to access and easy to complete - potentially other healthcare professionals’ behaviours online, fostering reflection and positively changing behaviours/perspectives.