Large-scale evaluation of a computer-based learning program to increase prison staff knowledge on geriatric and end-of-life care
International Journal of Prisoner Health
ISSN: 1744-9200
Article publication date: 29 March 2022
Issue publication date: 2 June 2022
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to continue research and development of the ECAD-P learning system with an emphasis on developing a scalable unit for testing in a larger number of more diverse correctional settings. There are almost 2.3 million US persons incarcerated. Geriatric and end-of-life (EOL) care in corrections is not as equitable as care in the free world. Technological delivery of geriatric training to staff through computer-based learning (CBL) offers a novel approach to improve care and reduce disparities among those who are most vulnerable during confinement.
Design/methodology/approach
This mixed methods study built an interactive CBL for multidisciplinary staff to address EOL and geriatric issues in prisons. The CBL was iteratively built and tested prior to launching a full-scale evaluation using a pre/post-intervention design.
Findings
Evaluation of the CBL occurred at 7 sites (i.e. 6 state prisons and 1 prison health-care vendor). A total of 241 staff were recruited with 173 completing post-tests. Outcomes were knowledge acquisition regarding care for aging and dying incarcerated persons (i.e. cognitive measure) and attitudes, motivations and values for providing care (i.e. affective measure). Cognitive and affective post-tests were significantly better than at pre-test (all ps < 0.01). ANCOVAs revealed no significant differences for sex or ethnicity.
Originality/value
Outcomes reveal that the CBL is acceptable, feasible and usable in corrections. Staff improved their knowledge after receiving the training. Correctional settings face increasing pressures to better address the health care and management needs of aged, chronically ill and dying incarcerated persons. This e-learning holds promise to contribute to better preparation of corrections staff to effectively care for these populations.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledge Rachel K. Wion, PhD, RN, Julie Murphy, PhD, RN and Kaléi H. Kolawchik, BSN, RN for their contributions as research assistants earlier in this research.Research reported in this publication/press release was supported by the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health under award number R42AG049570. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
Citation
Myers, V.H., Loeb, S., Kitt-Lewis, E. and Jerrod, T. (2022), "Large-scale evaluation of a computer-based learning program to increase prison staff knowledge on geriatric and end-of-life care", International Journal of Prisoner Health, Vol. 18 No. 2, pp. 185-199. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPH-08-2021-0078
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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