The Impact of a Collaborative Learning Intervention on Nurses' Knowledge and Practice in Hemodialysis Vascular Access Care: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT Background and Aim Hemodialysis vascular access is a critical requirement for patients with End Stage Kidney Disease. Hemodialysis nurses play a crucial role in maintaining the quality and efficiency of vascular access care. Structured educational interventions are crucial for enhancing nurses' knowledge and practice in providing safe care. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention based on the Collaborative Approach and Learning Cooperatives (CALC) Model on nurses' knowledge and practice in hemodialysis vascular access care. Methods This single‐blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in 2021 at two major teaching hospitals affiliated with Urmia University of Medical Sciences. In this study, a total of 50 hemodialysis nurses were recruited using convenience sampling and randomly allocated to either an intervention group ( n = 25) or a control group ( n = 25). Data were collected at three time points: before, 1 month and 2 months after the intervention using a demographic questionnaire, a nurses' knowledge of vascular access questionnaire and a checklist of vascular access care techniques. The intervention group received education based on the CALC model. The chi‐square test, independent t ‐test, paired t ‐test, and repeated measure ANOVA were used to analyze the data. Results Analysis of variance revealed a significant difference in the mean practice scores 1 month and 2 months after the educational intervention based on the CALC model between the intervention and control groups ( p < 0.001). Similarly, a significant difference was found in the mean knowledge scores at 1 month and 2 months after the intervention between the two groups ( p < 0.001). However, no significant differences in average practice and knowledge scores were observed between the two groups before the intervention. Conclusion This study highlights the efficacy of the CALC model as an educational intervention in enhancing nurses' knowledge and practice regarding to hemodialysis vascular access care. Consequently, the implementation of this approach in clinical nursing education is recommended to promote evidence‐based practice and support continuous professional development.