The effectiveness of nurses' ability to interpret basic electrocardiogram strips accurately using different learning modalities.

Background: Historically, the instructional method of choice has been traditional lecture or face-to-face education; however, changes in the health care environment, including resource constraints, have necessitated examination of this practice.

Methods: A descriptive pre-/posttest method was used to determine the effectiveness of alternative teaching modalities on nurses' knowledge and confidence in electrocardiogram (EKG) interpretation. A convenience sample of 135 nurses was recruited in an integrated health care system in the Southeastern United States.

Effectiveness of a computer-based educational program on nurses' knowledge, attitude, and skill level related to evidence-based practice.

Purpose: To conduct a baseline assessment of nurses' perceptions of knowledge, attitude, and skill level related to evidence-based practice (EBP) and research utilisation; determine the level of organisational readiness for implementing EBP and research; and examine the effectiveness of a computer-based educational program on nurses' perceptions of knowledge, attitude, and skill level related to EBP and research utilisation.

Design: A descriptive, quasi-experimental design with a one-group, pre-intervention survey, intervention, and post-intervention survey method was used. A convenience sample of 744 nurses working in an integrated health care system was recruited.