The development of an elearning program on the response and recognition of the deteriorating patient using self-study methodology

eLearning may be part of the solution to manage the ongoing training needs of nurses in Australian hospitals. A focus on addressing a knowledge gap in the recognition of and response to the deteriorating patient provided an opportunity to develop an eLearning program. Human factors education was incorporated as an innovative key feature in the eLearning program. A self-study methodological approach was applied to simultaneously research the development process and to integrate an evaluation of the resulting eLearning program. Critical friends were consulted during the planning and development of the eLearning program to ensure that the final program was engaging while also being successful in supporting learning. The resulting eLearning program was evaluated with a cohort of nurses who participated in pre and post test questionnaires and focus group discussions. Nurses reported that the inclusion of a realistic, interactive case study game as a learning device was valuable and resulted in self reflection about experiences in managing deteriorating patients. These findings suggest that eLearning programs can be successful in increasing nurses’ confidence in managing the deteriorating patient, reading the track and trigger charts, applying human factors education, and may result in improved in patient outcomes. •Self-study methodology can be implemented to support the design of nursing education programs.•Case study use in eLearning results in improved engagement in deteriorating patient education.•Human factors education assists nurses' critical thinking and decision making.•Deteriorating patient and human factors education combined lead to increased nurse confidence.