Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions



HOME \| SITE MAP \| CONTACT US
Your Location: Home > Volume 27, Issue 2

CURRENT ISSUE BACK ISSUES SUBSCRIBE ADVERTISE ABOUT JCEHP FOR AUTHORS JCEHP AWARD SEARCH		Volume 27 (2) Volume 27, Issue 2, Spring 2007 J Contin Educ Health Prof 2007; 27(2):111 RESEARCH ARTICLE Nationwide satellite training for public health professionals: Web-based follow-up Peddecord KM Holsclaw P Jacobson IG Kwizera L Rose K Gersberg R Macias-Reynolds V. A b s t r a c t Introduction: Few studies have rigorously evaluated the effectiveness of health-related continuing education using satellite distribution. This study assessed participants' professional characteristics and their changes in knowledge, attitudes, and actions taken after viewing a public health preparedness training course on mass vaccination broadcast nationally by satellite. Methods: A three-part survey design was used to evaluate training effectiveness. Paper-based questionnaires were distributed at a stratified sample of downlink facilities to collect knowledge and attitude responses before and after the broadcast. Six weeks later, willing participants were invited by e-mail to complete a Web-based follow-up questionnaire to assess actions taken as a result of viewing the broadcast. Paired t-tests and McNemar's chi-square were used to compare changes in attitude from before to after the broadcast, after the broadcast to follow-up, and before the broadcast to follow-up. Results: A total of 544 paper-based questionnaires were received from 59 of 70 sampled sites. The pre- and post assessments administered the day of the broadcast demonstrated statistically significant knowledge gain (p < .001) and an increased belief immediately following the broadcast that mass vaccination clinics are important to their organizations' public health activities (p < .001). Of the 291 respondents who completed the follow-up online questionnaire, 44% (n = 128) reported they implemented or planned some form of action after the broadcast. Reported actions were higher among public health workers most likely to be directly involved in preparedness and immunization activities. Discussion: This evaluation assessed (1) participants' professional characteristics, (2) knowledge gain, (3) self-reported actions taken following the broadcast, (4) program satisfaction, and (5) suggested improvements for future satellite broadcast programs. The study's methodology of using a Web-based survey for follow-up is a relatively economical tool for assessing longer-term continuing education program objectives. Lessons for Practice A three-part survey design supports an evaluation model that includes important follow-up information necessary to assess the effectiveness of continuing education. Continuing education using satellite broadcasting can improve knowledge and attitudes among public health professionals. In our case study, a substantial percentage of viewers who responded to the follow-up questionnaire reported taking or planning to take relevant actions following the broadcast. With a public health topic such as mass vaccination clinics, knowledge gain and actions taken may cross over to a larger audience beyond the targeted occupational groups. Improving the evidence base documenting what continuing education methods are effective requires additional research. Planning well-designed evaluations requires substantial resources. These research designs are essential to demonstrating the professional and societal value of future investments in continuing education in public health. Key Words: evaluation, satellite broadcast, distance education, distance learning, continuing public health/medical education, continuing distance education, mixed-mode surveys, online Web-based surveys, bioterrorism preparedness, workforce development, mass vaccination
HOME \| SITE MAP \| CONTACT US Copyright © 1996-2008 JCEHP.com & The Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions All rights reserved Disclaimer · About This Site · Web Editor · Make JCEHP Your Homepage Information on this site was last updated: 28 October 2008