Improving education through a national blended learning program for caregivers and informal caregivers of home mechanical ventilation patients in the Netherlands. National Education Program for Home Mechanical Ventilation in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, home mechanical ventilation (HMV) is organized by four specialized centers, each associated with a University Medical Center. These centers run both in- and outpatient clinics. The four centers provide education programs for both professional and family care givers. In order to improve the training quality and meet the Dutch Practical Standards for HMV, the four centers launched one shared national education program in 2018 (www.ctbscholing.nl, in Dutch). First part published is the training program for caregivers of adult patients, for caregivers of children it is expected in 2019 Five different types of courses are currently offered within the published program: tracheostomy positive pressure ventilation, noninvasive positive pressure ventilation, airstacking, cough assist noninvasive, cough assist invasive. Each course is of a blended type featuring online e-learning modules using videos of real patients, with an end-of-module exam, practical training in the center’s skills labs and bedside teaching and assessment. Separate tracks exist for professionals and patients plus their non-professional caregivers (often family members). The e-learning modules are offered free of charge in order to increase program exposure. Progress of the course participants is monitored through an online learning management system. Within its first year, more than 3000 participants have enrolled in the program. In general they are very satisfied with the program, giving it on average a score of 8 out of 10. Users are pleased with their increase in knowledge and skills, allowing them to deliver a higher standard of care.