The sophistication and ease of use of web browsers to display media-rich content and the advancing computer skills of health professionals mean health organisations are purposefully exploring the potential of connected computers to supplement and enhance healthcare provision. In 2010 the New Zealand Ministry of Health funded an e-project, Improving Nursing Utilisation of Evidence to Inform Clinical Practice. This project was multi-phased, focused on the development of registered nurses' capability to access internationally recognised electronic resources to directly impact on their ongoing practice. Additionally, the initiative supported wider interaction between the Midland regions DHBs within an e-learning environment, supported by the learning management system Moodle.

During the pilot phase of the project, selected registered nurses across the five DHBs were provided access to Moodle and the procedures manual. As well as reviewing identified procedures, they were also asked to complete an evaluation form on the e-environment created for the project. The evaluation instrument used contained nine questions which included a mixture of rating scales, drop-down responses and text-box responses. The survey was opened on the 21st March 2011 and was closed after the 8th April 2011. During that period 155 participants completed the instrument with no reported problems.

This presentation will discuss the initial findings of this evaluation. It will highlight respondents' confidence and competence in accessing the e-environment created; it will explore participant perceptions of the layout, design and organisation of the site; and it will discuss respondents' thoughts on the benefits/barriers of using the internet to access policy and procedures to inform their practice.