 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Heidi M Bauer, MD, MS, MPH1, Katy Farber, BA2, Michael Sheu, BS2, Barry Handon, MD, MPH3, and Gail Bolan, MD1. (1) STD Control Branch, California Department of Health Services, 1947 Center St., Suite #201, Berkeley, CA 94704, 510-883-6617, hbauer@dhs.ca.gov, (2) California STD/HIV Prevention Training Center, 1947 Center St., Suite #201, Berkeley, CA 94704, (3) Medi-Cal Managed Care Division, California Department of Health Services, 714 P Street, Room 650, Sacramento, CA 95814
Despite national guidelines for routine screening of sexually active women age 25 and younger, the screening rate continues to be low. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of an interactive case-based online course designed to educate health care providers about sexually transmitted chlamydia infection and to motivate providers to increase chlamydia screening. An engaging, user-friendly educational program was developed collaboratively using a variety of instructional design strategies. Overcoming barriers, dispelling misperceptions about STD risk, and increasing skills and comfort with sexual history taking were essential components. Data were collected on pre- and post-test knowledge, as well as attitudes and practices. The course was implemented in July 2002 (www.stdhivtraining.org). To evaluate the effectiveness of the program, we analyzed data on registration, pre- and post-test knowledge, and user evaluation. Over 1,000 primary care physicians and nurses have participated in the online chlamydia course. A comparison of pre- and post-test knowledge demonstrated significant improvements in providers’ understanding of risk factors, sexual history taking, screening guidelines, diagnostic test technologies, and management strategies. Over 95% of participants rated their overall satisfaction as good or excellent. Online courses are an efficient and effective method to providing education to medical providers. Although dependent on access to the Internet, these courses are appropriate for reaching providers in remote or rural areas, provide self-paced, flexible access 24 hours a day, and automated data collection, testing, scoring, and administration of continuing education credits.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Chlamydia, Internet Tools
Related Web page: www.stdhivtraining.org
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.