Blended Learning via Distance Effects on Nurses’ Performance, Perception, and Anxiety during COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 and subsequent global crisis lockdowns have initiated a sudden need for learning to be blended. Nurses are the frontline healthcare staff, providing direct care to individuals affected with COVID-19 Aim: This study aimed to determine the blended learning via distance effects on nurses' performance, perception, and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design: Quasi experimental design was used. Setting: The study was conducted in the inpatients department at one of the biggest university hospitals affiliated with Cairo University in Egypt. Sample: A convenient sample of total 100 nurses allocated to the previously mentioned settings. Tools: Six tools were used to collect data including I: self-administered questionnaire B-Nurse's knowledge assessment questioner, II: Nurses self-reported checklist, III: nurses' attitude response, IV: Nurses' risk perception response, V: Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) and VI: Nurses' opinionnaire. Results: There was a highly statically significant difference between pre and post implementation of the blended learning training program with (P>0.001) which revealed an improvement in the study subject's performance. Also, there was a positive attitude, and positive risk perception among nurses regarding COVID-19, with an overall improvement in the level of anxiety regarding dealing with the current pandemic. Most studied nurses were satisfied regarding implementation of the blended learning training program. Conclusion: The finding of the study concluded that nurses' performance was improved post-implementation of the blended learning intervention with satisfaction among the nurses regarding the new method of learning. Recommendations: It is highly recommended to increase nurses' awareness through using the electronic resources.