N10 The impact of an educational and networking event on nurses caring for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) paediatric patients receiving biologic therapy
Gil Zaragozano, E.(1);Wiskin, A.(1);Williams, J.(2);
(1)University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Paediatric Gastroenterology, Bristol, United Kingdom;(2)University of the West of England, Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, Bristol, United Kingdom;
Background
Biologic therapies usage is increasing across the United Kingdom. Gastroenterology departments and all stakeholders need to continuously update their knowledge and practice to the safe use of this therapy (IBD Standards, 2013). Paediatric gastroenterology services in tertiary hospitals often cover a wide geographical region and deliver care in collaboration with district general hospitals closer to the child’s home. A virtual educational and networking event was developed in order to deliver interprofessional education (IPE) and facilitate networking for nurses caring for IBD paediatric patients receiving biologic therapy in two large regions of the United Kingdom (South West of England and South Wales).
The aim of this study was to establish the level of self-reported competencies of nurses involved in the administration of biologic therapy in paediatric IBD patients and to evaluate the impact that the event had on the self-reported competency of the participants and their practice.
Methods
The event compromised a range of relevant topics and it was delivered by experts in the field in a virtual platform and using a range of participant interacting virtual tools. Participants were requested to complete an online questionnaire before and after the event. It was open to registered nurses working in paediatric community and/or day care settings, and caring for paediatric IBD patients receiving biologic therapy.
Results
There were 21 participants registered to attend the event that completed a pre –event questionnaire. 55% (11) of the participants had more than 5 years’ experience in post. 81% (17) reported no previous formal training on paediatric IBD and biologic therapy. 19.9% did not feel competent in the administration of biologic therapy and monitoring of the patient; and 28.6% did not feel competent to meet the holistic needs of the patient and their family.
After the event, a total of 13 completed evaluations were received. All participants (13) reported feeling more competent in caring for paediatric IBD patients receiving biologic therapy and their families; and 84.7% felt more competent in administering and monitoring biologic therapy.
All comments relating to the event were very positive and 10 participants could identify changes to make to their own clinical practice directly related from attending this event.
Conclusion
This study highlighted the need for IPE for nurses caring for paediatric IBD patients, particularly where care is delivered in district general hospitals. Feedback demonstrated that virtual educational events are effective in raising self-reported nursing competencies and in ensuring high standards of practice related to biologic therapy.