Background: MCH agencies collect data about clients but are often unable to fully utilize this information in their planning of services and programs. MACH 2010, a distance-learning training program, was designed in accordance with the Healthy People 2000/2010 initiative to help agency personnel increase their analytic skills resulting in better utilization of the data collected. Methods: Intake and final interviews were used to determine participants’ self-perceived changes in technologic and analytic capacity. Evaluation of change across two indicators, Internet and database skills, served as measures of increased capacity among 26 participants who had both intake and final interviews. Results: 64% of participants stated that their Internet skills had increased as a result of the MACH training. The remaining 36% had a higher level of comfort with their Internet knowledge at the start of the program. All participants stated that they had a better understanding of job related Internet resources as a result of the training program. 89% of participants who at the outset were less than ‘comfortable’ creating databases reported a better understanding of database work as a result of the course. All participants stated that there would be future opportunities for database work as part of their job responsibilities. Conclusions: A well-designed distance-learning training program that provides the participant with task-specific training can increase the participant’s Internet and database skills. Public Health Implications: MCH agencies need to understand the population they serve. Building skills in data use and manipulation is key to better utilization of the data being collect.
Learning Objectives: Assess MACH 2010's ability to increase program participants' perceived technologic and analytic skills Discuss the value of a distance-learning program in meeting a Healthy People 2000/2010 objective.
Keywords: Distance Learning, Healthy People 2000/2010
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.