Heart University: Knowledge-Sharing Through a Web-Based Learning Management System

Author: Theresa Faulkner, DNP, RN, Additional Authors^**

See the poster.  Visit https://www.heartuniversity.org/

Introduction:
Advances in testing and management related to congenital heart disease (CHD) has led to an increase in survival and quality of life in many geographical locations. Both children and adults with complex CHD bring unique challenges and needs to the health care community. Unlike acquired heart disease, the relative increased heterogeneity of CHD is not as straightforward in description or treatment. Focused CHD training and education are key elements to improved patient outcomes. The global imbalance in quality training for CHD providers creates a unique opportunity for knowledge-sharing within the CHD community through a web-based learning center.

Objective:
To create a global CHD web-based learning center that will be utilized for CHD training and education. The focus of this site will be to make accessible a comprehensive online library of high quality, evidence-based educational material created and edited by global experts in all subspecialties related to CHD testing, surgery and management.

Method:
Develop an internationally endorsed Learning Management System (LMS) that will be a portal to access a comprehensive collection of high quality evidence-based educational material on all aspects of CHD. A pediatric and adult CHD editorial board of experts has been established in all the subspecialty areas to collect, create and review materials to be used on the site. This material may include identified high-quality existing material linked to the site, content created by experts specifically for the site, or recordings from global symposia in CHD. The curriculum geared towards fellow training will be guided by current board certification guidelines.

Results:
Quality of site and content will be collected monthly through site utilization reports, user content value rating system and discussion boards. Editorial boards will review user recommendations and needs requests quarterly, to update and improve learning material hosted on the website.

Conclusion:
Creating an international educational website for both pediatric and adult CHD trainees and providers will decrease the imbalance in education and improve the current quality of care which is globally disproportionate.

**Authors

Theresa Faulkner, DNP, RN – Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Justin Tretter, MD – Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Michelle Hudgens, MBA – Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center