The impact of AIDS continuing education on psychiatric and non-psychiatric nurses' knowledge

BACKGROUND: Because an increasing number of chronically mentally ill individuals are HIV-positive, continuing education must include AIDS content to ensure psychiatric nurses provide competent care. The Fundamentals of Mental Health and HIV/AIDS Program was tested to determine its effectiveness in augmenting the AIDS knowledge of mental health professionals. METHOD: Two hundred forty RNs attended the Fundamental of Mental Health and HIV/AIDS Program. They completed pretest and posttest measures. RESULTS: The program significantly increased AIDS knowledge. The increase in AIDS knowledge was more dramatic for psychiatric nurses than for non-psychiatric nurses. CONCLUSION: This study reinforces the need for AIDS continuing education.