Evaluation of an e-learning package to improve understanding of blood-borne viruses amongst prison staff in Wales, UK
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide education on blood-borne viruses (BBVs) to prison staff to help reduce stigma within the prisons, improve the care prisoners receive and reduce the risk of occupational transmission.
Design/methodology/approach
An e-module was used to improve staff understanding of hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV at a prison in Wales, UK. An assessment was used to gather data on prison staff understanding of BBVs prior to undertaking the e-module.
Findings
In total, 530/697 (76 per cent) prison staff completed the BBV e-module. Average pre- and post-course assessment scores were 8.6/11 and 10.85/11, respectively. Most staff understood the modes of hepatitis transmission, however, gaps in understanding were highlighted. In total, 22 per cent of staff believed HBV and HCV were airborne, 9 per cent believed transmission occurred through sharing cutlery. In total, 31 per cent of staff believed prisoners with hepatitis should declare their status to the prison.
Practical implications
The e-module significantly improved staff understanding of BBVs and should be incorporated into future prison training packages. Future education should include how BBVs are not transmitted with an emphasis on casual contact. Medical confidentiality in prisons should also be addressed. Improving understanding will help reduce the stigma of BBVs within prison and improve the multidisciplinary care the prisoner receives.
Originality/value
To the authors knowledge this is the first published evaluation of a BBV learning package for custodial staff. Evaluation of this educational package demonstrates a unique and valuable insight into the general understanding of BBVs by prison staff in Wales, UK.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Janet Wallsgrove, Director of HM Prison Parc for actively supporting delivery of the BBV e-module; Clare Elliot, Scientific Web Editor, Public Health Wales and Michael Jones at NHS E-Learning Services Wales for technical support and hosting the e-module and Claire Midgley, Epidemiologist, Public Health Wales for technical advice.
Citation
Ellen Perrett, S., Erricker, M. and Lyons, M. (2014), "Evaluation of an e-learning package to improve understanding of blood-borne viruses amongst prison staff in Wales, UK", International Journal of Prisoner Health, Vol. 10 No. 1, pp. 47-54. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPH-04-2013-0019
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited