Changing learning contexts: Meeting the educational needs of community nurses caring for older people with Alzheimer's disease and their families

The aim of this project is to develop and evaluate a problem based learning computer package, which supports nurses to respond to the challenges of caring for older people with Alzheimer's disease and their families in a community health context. The central focus of this package is a CD-ROM which employs an interactive case study approach to introduce learners to a family situation where an older relative with Alzheimer's disease is being cared for at home. Learners are invited to explore their understanding of Alzheimer's disease; their beliefs and attitudes associated with the aged and mental health disorders; as well as explore complex ethical issues associated with personal autonomy and family nursing in a home care context. Challenging situations are explored through the telling of the family's everyday difficulties and lifestyle adjustments. The real-life nature of the case study is enhanced by the use of audio, family/action photographs and visually supportive graphics.

This approach was chosen as it offered opportunities for learners to reflect upon their personal and professional roles in terms of their response to the situation presented. Further, learners were encouraged to increase their appreciation of the scope for resources and service supports available for families caring for older relatives at home.

This paper has a two-fold purpose. Firstly, the authors will discuss the challenges faced by the project team in the development phase of the package. Particular attention will be given to the challenges experienced in integrating computer-based technology with a problem based learning approach. Secondly, the authors will report on the results of a pilot evaluation (13 participants) which informs a general understanding of the extent to which computer-based learning is appropriate for distance learners in community nursing. Particular attention will be given to the educational value of the CD-ROM for this group of learners and the extent to which the educational aims of the project were perceived to have been met. This understanding is deemed useful for the future development of computer-based learning resources addressing similar learning outcomes.

Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements are extended to the Committee for University Teaching and Staff Development (CUTSD) for the funding of this project through the National Teaching Development Grant Scheme. Acknowledgements are also extended to Alison Green (Teaching and Learning Support Service, QUT) and Paul Lunney (Consultant Statistician) for their contribution to the evaluation component of this project.