The Effect of Virtual Training through the Social Network on the Knowledge, Attitude, and Performance of Nurses Regarding the Correct Use of Personal Protective Equipment for the Care of COVID-19 Patients

Abstract Background and Aim: In recent years, the use of information technology and the Internet has increased. The acceptance and use of this technology in medical education and training have made significant progress. Thus, this study aimed to explore the effect of virtual training through the WhatsApp social network on the knowledge, attitude, and performance of nurses. Materials and Methods: This preexperimental research (before-and-after study) was conducted on 60 adult heart surgery intensive care unit nurses in Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Tehran, Iran. The intervention involved training which was presented in the form of virtual training through the WhatsApp social network. The instrument employed in the present study was a questionnaire consisting of four parts: demographic information, knowledge, attitude, and performance of nurses regarding the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Paired t -test was utilized to compare the mean scores of nurses’ knowledge, attitude, and performance. Results: This study consisted of 49 (81.7%) women. The increase in the mean scores of knowledge and performance of the investigated nurses after the virtual education were statistically significant ( P < 0.001) regarding the use of PPE in the care of patients with corona disease, while the mean score of attitude did not reach a significant increase ( P = 0.152). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that virtual training using social networks for nurses can improve their knowledge and performance regarding the correct use of protective equipment.