(45) Developing Open Educational Resources (OER) by Creating a Pediatric Oncology Nursing Course for South African Partners

Location: Exhibit Hall D

First Author Presenting(s)

Stacen A. Keating, PhD MS RN (she/her/hers)

Clinical Associate Professor
NYU Rory Meyers
New York, New York, United States

Co-Author Presenting(s)

KC

Kathleen Capone, EdD, MSM CNE

Academic Director
Nurses International
Canastota, New York, United States

Co-Author Not Presenting(s)

MC

Miriam Chickering, BSN, RN, NE-BC

CEO
Ulrich and Ruth Frank Foundation for International Health (known online as NextGenU.org)
Anoka, Minnesota, United States

Title: Developing Open Educational Resources (OER) by Creating a Pediatric Oncology Nursing Course for South African Partner Agencies

Abstract : Basis of Inquiry:
Globally, there is a wide variation in the preparation of nurses who deliver care to oncology patients. South African partners sought a comprehensive, asynchronous pediatric oncology nursing course to close the gap in knowledge.

Purpose:
The purpose of this educational innovation/intervention was to create evidenced-based Open Educational Resources (OER) to improve the quality of pediatric nursing in South African and then to scale this content globally.

Methods:
The educational intervention involved in this project is described below:
1. A team of nurse educators and clinicians with oncology and academic expertise worked over a period of months to create evidenced based open educational resources (OER) for nurses.
2. A comprehensive peds oncology course was developed that included cancer pathophysiology, treatment modalities, and nursing care for pediatric patients.
3. Content was peer-reviewed by doctorally prepared educators.
4. Funding partners provided computers, a workspace, and compensation for the nursing participants to engage in the OER modules.
5. Evaluation of the change in knowledge was done using a pre-post test survey.
6. The OER content was made readily available globally and is currently downloadable without cost.

Findings/Outcomes:
Course data comparing pre-assessment and post-assessments demonstrated an increase in knowledge among participants concerning the nursing care of the pediatric client. To date, 39 students took the Pediatric/Hematology course on site in South Africa. Pre-course scoring was 5.4 on a scale of 10. Post-course scoring was 8.6 out of 10. A total of 98% of the participants passed the course once all modules were completed. Globally, 23 others accessed the OER: Canada (7), South Africa (3), Nigeria (2) and Ghana (2). Qualitative feedback has been positive. The courses are currently in use for new hires in South African cites. The OER materials are available globally at nursesinterational.org and are free of charge.