Background and aims Neuromonitoring, using amplitude-integrated Electroencephalography (aEEG) and near infra-red spectroscopy (NIRS), is common practice on our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The quality of the registration depends on the application of the aEEG-needles or hydrogel electrodes and the NIRS-pad, handling the equipment and interpretation of the registration.

Incorrect placement of the electrodes (too close to each other) by untrained nursing staff can lead to a registration full of artefacts, which may be interpreted as epileptic events or epileptic events may be missed. The correct interpretation of the aEEG patterns has a complex learning curve.

Method An e-learning course about monitoring the neonatal brain was developed to ensure that nurses are able to learn at any time, at any place on any computer. The hospital provided an e-learning-team. The e-learning course is located at a virtual learning environment which every member of the hospital staff has access to.

Results We developed an e-learning course which provides an interactive teaching tool to learn all about the near infra-red spectroscopy (NIRS) and four different aEEG monitor devices. Quizzes are included to practice how to interpret the aEEG recordings, which is essential in evaluating the monitoring of the neonatal brain.

Conclusion E-learning is an interactive learning tool which will enable the staff to keep their skills up to date in using different NIRS- and aEEG monitors and will allow correct interpretation of the aEEG recordings.

Acknowledgements Onbegrensd Leren (Learning without borders) UMC Utrecht.