Improving patient care through work-based learning.

Abstract

AIM: To record post-registration community nurses' perceptions of the impact of work-based learning on the quality of patient care. METHOD: Ten nurses were interviewed. Each interviewee, who had successfully completed work-based learning programmes, was asked to describe their impact on the quality of patient care. FINDINGS: The participants valued work-based learning. Four themes emerged where work-based learning contributed to improving the quality of care: increased health promotion, increased access to services, increased patient choice and reduced risk of infection. The relevance of studies and distance learning materials were perceived to be the main aspects that influenced changes in practice. CONCLUSION: The study provides insight into how work-based learning helped staff develop practice. It highlights that time for learning and mentoring are paramount for changes in practice to occur through work-based learning. Further studies are required to establish the best structure and style of distance learning materials needed to meet the needs of post-registration community nurses.