Infection control training: evaluation of a computer-assisted learning package

An evaluation of the training module of an interactive infection control co mputer-assisted learning (CAL) software program was carried out with ward-b ased nurses, third-year medical students and infection control personnel. A ll nursing staff, 87% of the medical students and all infection control sta ff found the programme easy and enjoyable to use. The module was accessed 3 101 times on the hospital network in 18 months with usage settling to betwe en 100-150 times per month. There was a higher level of use by night-duty a nd weekend staff. Medical students gained as much infection control knowled ge from using the CAL package (increase in correct responses from 63.5% to 83.4%; P<0.0001) as they did from a formal lecture (increase in correct res ponses from 62.1% to 79.5%; P<0.0001). We conclude the training module whic h is accessible on the hospital wards and across the academic network, is a convenient and effective way for staff and students to gain a basic unders tanding in evidence-based infection control practices, at locations and tim es suitable for them. (C) 2000 The Hospital Infection Society.