# Evaluation of an Education Programme for Introducing Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis to Neonatal Unit Staff: A Mixed Methods Study

## TL;DR

This study evaluated an education program to teach NICU staff how to use bioelectrical impedance analysis, showing improved knowledge and positive feedback.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a validated education package for NICU staff to adopt BIA technology, with evidence of effectiveness and preferred teaching formats.

## Key findings

- Median knowledge scores improved significantly from 2.5 to 4/5 after the education program.
- Staff reported a positive learning experience with the education package.
- The education model could be adapted for introducing new technologies in intensive care settings.

## Abstract

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is a non‐invasive method of body composition, which may be useful in improving fluid management decisions for sick and preterm infants.

To implement and evaluate an education package for the multidisciplinary team who plan to use BIA within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in future research.

A mixed methods approach was used to evaluate the impact of an education package for the multidisciplinary team (MDT) working in the NICU regarding the use of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Knowledge acquisition was assessed and feedback sought regarding the content, format and delivery of the teaching.

There was a significant improvement in the median knowledge scores from 2.5 to 4/5 (p = < 0.001) after the education programme, with staff reporting a positive learning experience.

This neonatal education package improved knowledge and was evaluated positively and could be used by other centres wishing to implement this technology.

This education package will be useful for other NICUs wanting to implement this new technology into research or clinical practice. This model of education could be altered to facilitate the introduction of any new piece of technology into any intensive care setting.

What is known about the topic?
○Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is a non‐invasive technology that can be used to measure body composition and total body water.○The potential application of BIA in neonatal care is evident and there is a need for contemporary research using current BIA technology within this population.○If this technology is to be incorporated into neonatal care successfully, staff must be taught how to interpret and apply the results.○Teaching within the clinical area is central to successful health professional education.
What this paper adds?
○Evidence that knowledge around BIA within the NICU was very poor at baseline.○A robustly developed education package which can increase knowledge of BIA and fluid management in the NICU.○Evidence around preferred teaching formats in a NICU.

What is known about the topic?
○Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is a non‐invasive technology that can be used to measure body composition and total body water.○The potential application of BIA in neonatal care is evident and there is a need for contemporary research using current BIA technology within this population.○If this technology is to be incorporated into neonatal care successfully, staff must be taught how to interpret and apply the results.○Teaching within the clinical area is central to successful health professional education.

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is a non‐invasive technology that can be used to measure body composition and total body water.

The potential application of BIA in neonatal care is evident and there is a need for contemporary research using current BIA technology within this population.

If this technology is to be incorporated into neonatal care successfully, staff must be taught how to interpret and apply the results.

Teaching within the clinical area is central to successful health professional education.

What this paper adds?
○Evidence that knowledge around BIA within the NICU was very poor at baseline.○A robustly developed education package which can increase knowledge of BIA and fluid management in the NICU.○Evidence around preferred teaching formats in a NICU.

Evidence that knowledge around BIA within the NICU was very poor at baseline.

A robustly developed education package which can increase knowledge of BIA and fluid management in the NICU.

Evidence around preferred teaching formats in a NICU.