Effects of web-based learning for nurses on their care for pregnant women with hiesho (sensitivity of hands or feet to cold): A randomized controlled trial

Aim: Hiesho is a condition characterized by having a cold sensation in the hands or feet (i.e., sensitivity of the hands or feet to cold). This condition is common among Japanese women and is an important health problem. In this study, we aimed to evaluate a hiesho intervention program for nurses called “Preventing Hiesho: Intervention Program for Educating Nurses” in terms of its effectiveness in improving the knowledge and perceptions of nurses about the importance of hiesho care. Methods: A total of 130 nurses from Japanese hospitals and clinics providing prenatal care participated in our randomized controlled trial. Sixty-eight nurses participated in the “Preventing Hiesho: Intervention Program for Educating Nurses” for 2 weeks (intervention group). Sixty-two nurses received a pamphlet on hiesho care (control group). The responses of the participants to the questionnaire survey were collected by postal mail. An intention-to-treat analysis of the results was conducted. Results: One week after the implementation of the web-based learning program, the scores of knowledge and perceptions of the importance of administering hiesho care were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group. Conclusions: A 2-week web-based learning program for educating nurses on preventing hiesho significantly improved their knowledge and perceptions of the importance of hiesho care.