Edinburgh Napier University

  Napier University, in collaboration with haematology nurses
across Scotland identifi ed a requirement for education at an
advanced level in malignant haematology including the specialist
topic of transplantation. The outcome was to develop an
innovative fully on-line module, easily accessible from Britain
and Europe, being offered as a stand alone module or as part
of a master’s programme.
In comparison to existing cancer education the module is
unique because it utilises the technology of Web CT (discussion
boards) and Elluminate Live!(virtual classrooms).This technology
has been used successfully in other nursing disciplines in
America and Australia (Leppa 2004, Little et al 2006, Morrow
et al 2007). The students use the technology to critically examine
and refl ect upon current practices in malignant haematology,
with a diverse network of colleagues, building a learning
community whilst gaining additional computer skills.
The objective of this presentation is to showcase visual and
audio examples of how learning is supported in advanced haematology
nurse education and share results from a focus group
evaluation. The focus group utilised semi structured interviews
with 3 students, by an independent interviewer over Elluminate
Live! The results were recorded and sent (with consent)
to students (n=7) who were unable to attend, generating further
comment. The interview focused on the use of discussion
boards and Elluminate Live! as a medium to support learning.
Emerging themes included advantages of building a community
of learning with people across the country including expert
speakers; disadvantages with technology and etiquette, which
were transient; continuous professional development including
future conferences, journal clubs, and case presentations; and
potential future use in clinical practice in generating research
and educational collaboration.
In conclusion using e-learning to support education for advanced
practice in haematology nursing has evaluated well, creating a
community with future potential for partnership in continuous
professional development and research opportunities.