Effectiveness of Continuing Education in Long-Term Care: A Literature Review

There is minimal evidence that knowledge gained from training programs is sustained in the long term, and further rigorous research is needed on the effectiveness of continuing education in long-term care, with systematic attention to the role of organizational and system factors.

Abstract

PURPOSE: This review of the literature examines the effectiveness of continuing education programs in long-term care facilities. DESIGN AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was made for evaluation studies and included computerized bibliographic databases, manual searches of journals, the bibliographies of retrieved articles, and information from key informants. RESULTS: Forty-eight studies met our selection criteria. Rigorous research in this area has been limited. Because of the lack of follow-up evaluation, there is minimal evidence that knowledge gained from training programs is sustained in the long term. Most studies do not consider organizational and system factors when planning and implementing training initiatives. This may account for difficulties encountered in the sustained transfer of knowledge to practice. IMPLICATIONS: There is a need for further rigorous research on the effectiveness of continuing education in long-term care, with systematic attention to the role of organizational and system factors.