Mental Health Training for Nursing Home Staff Using Computer-Based Interactive Video: A 6-Month Randomized Trial

Mental health education for the staffs of nursing homes is difficult to provide and often inadequate. The objectives of this study were to design and assess a curriculum of staff training on depression and dementia that is accessible, educational, and relevant. A core curriculum of 12 computer-based interactive video training modules was created in a television news-documentary format to educate nursing home staffs. A randomized trial of the first six modules, which are dedicated to mental health and aging, was conducted at a computer site (CS), a “lecture site” (LS), and control site (CON). Three not-for-profit nursing facilities in Western Pennsylvania. The certified nursing assistants, and other nursing staff participated in the study as part of their required training. Nursing staffs at the two intervention sites (CS and LS) were mandated to participate in monthly educational sessions. At the CS, the computer program scheduled staff members each month for 45 minutes of individual, self-paced training using the interactive video modules. At the LS, staff members were scheduled to attend a 45-minute monthly lecture with identical learning objectives delivered by an advanced degree nurse educator. A videotape of the lectures was shown at two additionally scheduled times during the month to accommodate all shifts. Compliance and satisfaction with training were monitored at both intervention sites. Knowledge was assessed at the CS, LS, and CON, before each monthly training session, and with a cumulative post-training exam, administered at the end of the 6-month study. Over the 6-month period, training compliance was 66% and 22% at CS and LS, respectively ( P < 0.001). Satisfaction with training and the relevance of training were rated significantly higher at the CS ( P < 0.0001). Before the study, assessed knowledge was similar at the CS, LS, and CON. After 6 months, the CS scored significantly higher than the LS and CON in terms of knowledge ( P < 0.005). Individual, self-paced, interactive video education for nursing home staff resulted in greater compliance and satisfaction with training compared to staff receiving lectures. Knowledge of core concepts was greater for staff of the computer site compared to the staffs of either the lecture or control sites at the end of this 6-month study.