A Pre-experimental Study on the Effectiveness of Computer-assisted Teaching on Knowledge of Stem Cell Therapy for Cardiovascular Diseases among Railway Nursing Staff in India
Padmavathi GV *
Railway Hospital, Yelahanka, Bangalore-560064, Karnataka, India.
Nagaraju B
Railway Hospital, MG Railway Colony, Bangalore-560023, Karnataka, India.
Anilkumar KV
Visveswarapura Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, BSK-2nd Stage, Bengaluru-560070, India.
Shekar HS
Visveswarapura Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, BSK-2nd Stage, Bengaluru-560070, India.
Samhitha J
Visveswarapura Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, BSK-2nd Stage, Bengaluru-560070, India.
Neerajraj GN
UG-Medical, ESIC Medical College & PGIMSR, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru-560010, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to be the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recent advancements in regenerative medicine, particularly stem cell therapy, have opened new avenues in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Nurses play a crucial role in patient care, education, and monitoring during advanced therapeutic interventions. However, limited knowledge regarding stem cell therapy among nursing staff may hinder its effective implementation in clinical practice.
Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of a computer-assisted teaching programme on knowledge regarding stem cell therapy in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases among railway nursing staff.
Methods: A quantitative evaluative research approach with a one-group pre-test–post-test design (pre-experimental) was adopted. The study was conducted among 50 railway nursing staff selected using non-probability convenience sampling in a selected railway hospital in India (convenience sampling chosen due to feasibility, accessibility, and availability of participants in the single specialized setting during data collection period). Data were collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire (developed by researchers; 25 multiple-choice questions covering core concepts; content validity by nursing/medicine experts; reliability r=0.88 via split-half method; items designed at moderate difficulty level based on pre-test performance distribution). A computer-assisted teaching programme was administered after the pre-test, followed by a post-test on the eighth day.
Results: The post-test mean knowledge score was significantly higher than the pre-test mean score (p<0.05), indicating that the computer-assisted teaching programme was effective.
Conclusion: The computer-assisted teaching programme was effective in improving railway nursing staff’s knowledge regarding stem cell therapy in cardiovascular disease management. These findings support the integration of technology-enhanced educational strategies in continuing nursing education to better prepare staff for emerging regenerative therapies and improve patient care in specialized healthcare settings.
Keywords: Stem cell therapy, cardiovascular diseases, computer-assisted teaching, railway nursing staff