Authors (including presenting author) :
Chan LK(1), To HY(1), Lam CP(1), Tam ML(1), Lee LN(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Blended learning
Keyword 2: :
Simulation training
Keyword 3: :
Colorectal Surgery Nursing
Keyword 4: :
Competency development
Keyword 5: :
Hands-on training
Introduction :
Bridging the competency gap in specialized nursing is essential for ensuring safe and effective patient care. To support nurses transitioning into colorectal surgical practice, a blended learning programme was developed at the Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, integrating self-directed digital learning with hands-on simulation. This approach was designed to strengthen the understanding of pre- and post-operative care, enhance the application of knowledge through simulated practice, and evaluate programme effectiveness and learner satisfaction.
Objectives :
1. To foster a solid understanding of colorectal surgical procedures and perioperative care management. 2. To enhance the application of theoretical knowledge in simulated scenarios, facilitating technical proficiency and confidence. 3. To evaluate the effectiveness and satisfaction of the blended learning programme.
Methodology :
The programme utilized a four-phase blended learning structure for 38 participants. First, a 10-item multiple-choice questionnaire as a pre-test was used to assess baseline knowledge in colorectal surgical care, including preoperative preparation, postoperative monitoring, and stoma and drain management. Second, participants were given access to three short educational videos (10-15 minutes each) that covered common colorectal surgeries and pre-operative preparation, management of potential post-operative complications. The workshop consisted of 30-minute sessions for reviewing the key learning points and addressing the area of misconception identified in the pre-test, followed by 30-minute hands-on activities and scenario-based discussion. During hands-on activities, two hands-on stations for stoma bag application and drain management were set up and were conducted on training mannequins under the supervision of experienced colorectal nurses. Finally, a post-test using the same questionnaire was administered to assess knowledge gains. In addition, an anonymous evaluation with 5-point Likert scale and open-ended questions were to be filled out in order to provide feedback on content quality, relevance, and confidence improvement.
Result & Outcome :
The educational intervention yielded a 62% increase in knowledge, with the mean pre-test score of 5.02 (out of 10) rising to 8.13 on the post-test (p < 0.001). The largest knowledge gains were observed in challenging topics like high-output ileostomy care and anastomotic leak management, with 50% improvement. Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with the programme receiving high ratings for content quality and relevance (Mean = 4.8/5), and all participants (100%) reporting an increase in clinical confidence following the workshop. In conclusion, the programme effectively empowered nurses with essential colorectal surgical knowledge, facilitated the application of theory into practice through hands-on simulation, and achieved high levels of participant satisfaction. The blended learning design proved to be a practical and impactful onboarding strategy for preparing nurses to deliver safe, confident, and high-quality care in colorectal surgical settings.
