Effectiveness of an Online Caring Curriculum in Enhancing Nurses’ Caring Behavior

[[abstract]]BACKGROUND: A hospital in Taiwan implemented a framework of caring in clinical practice. After the pilot study, the current study was conducted to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of the program. METHOD: One hundred four nurses from two hospitals were recruited for the intervention (n = 50) and comparison (n = 54) groups in a mixed-method, quasi-experimental pre- and postintervention design. Audiovisual materials based on the authentic caring and uncaring experiences of nurses and patients were created as the curriculum content. Role modeling and reflective practice were used as learning strategies. Both groups of nurses and patients completed a pre- and postintervention evaluation of nurse caring behaviors, using the SHARE (Sense patients’ needs before they ask, Help patients out, Acknowledge patients’ feelings, Respect the dignity and privacy of patients, Explain what is happening) caring behavior measurement. A focus group interview was conducted. RESULTS: The intervention group exhibited higher frequency of caring behavior than the comparison group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Authentic experiences, reflective practice, and online videos were effective teaching strategies in enhancing nurse caring behavior in an online continuing education program. J Contin Educ Nurs. 2015;46(9):416–424. Ms. Hsu is Director of Nursing Department, Taiwan Adventist Hospital, and doctoral student, Ms. Lee-Hsieh is Professor of the Graduate Institute of Allied Health Education, and Ms. Tseng is Research Staff, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei; Ms. Lee is Director of Nursing Department, Land Seed Hospital, Taoyuan; Mr. Turton is Lecturer, Language Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; and Dr. Chiang-Hanisko, is Associate Professor, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida. This study was supported by Taiwan National Science Council grant NSC100-2511-S-227-001-MY3. The authors thank the study participants for their assistance and openness. The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise. Address correspondence to Jane Lee-Hsieh, RN, MSN, Professor, Graduate Institute of Allied Health Education, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, 365 Ming-te Road, Peitou District, Taipei 11219, Taiwan, R.O.C.; e-mail: hsiehjane@ntunhs.edu.tw. Received: November 11, 2014 Accepted: July 08, 201