Creation of e-learning about ABO Grouping for transfusion scientists

Wright, Sara Louise (2023) Creation of e-learning about ABO Grouping for transfusion scientists. Doctoral thesis (DClinSci), Manchester Metropolitan University.

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Abstract

Introduction: Review of the SHOT data indicated that there is a deficiency in knowledge with the ABO blood grouping system which is in part associated with mistakes and errors. These errors have the potential to be life threatening and have been attributed to the laboratory staff. It is thought one of the reasons this has occurred is there is no available resource for staff to learn and develop the knowledge required to prevent knowledge-based errors occurring. This resulted in the creation of an easily accessible e-learning package which included interactive learning. This aimed to determine if this satisfies the users and results in both knowledge improvement and confidence of the scientist in the ABO blood grouping system. Project Aims: The project aimed to design an educational package which was able to run on the internet in real-time using a learning management system (LMS) platform to enable scientists to improve both their knowledge and confidence in a single topic of transfusion science (ABO Blood grouping). Methods: A user engagement survey was performed to ascertain the requirements from users in the Southwest of England which alongside the heamovigilance data supported the focus topic of ABO. The content of the learning was created by the author and designed into a e-learning package by a package designer. The material was trialled by student volunteers (50 participants were invited, 19 commenced the e-learning and eight completed the project) within transfusion laboratories with knowledge assessments at predefined time points to determine the success of the final product. Results: An e-learning package was developed on Articulate Storyline® which allowed for interactive case studies allowing users to apply knowledge learnt through the package which students found enjoyable. As a result of the package, it was noted there was a 1.3-point increase in actual knowledge and a 1.8-point increase in perceived knowledge. A power analysis demonstrated that the actual knowledge gave a power result of 0.65 using a one-tail calculation which would demonstrate the results seen may not be replicable; however, the power calculation using a two-tail of the perceived knowledge was 0.82 which shows significant power. Conclusion: The project allowed for the development of an interactive e-learning project which has been shown by this feasibility study to have a benefit to knowledge and confidence in participants. The resource of the package can be used for future studies and learning opportunities both within NHSBT and externally. There were limitations with the package development and participation numbers however these can be overcome in future developments of the package