Nationwide satellite training for public health professionals: Web-based follow-up

Abstract

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.