Advantages and Disadvantages of In-person versus Hybrid In-Person/Online Responsible Beverage Service Training Programs

Background: In-person training programs to promote responsible beverage service (RBS) in alcohol outlets have been common for decades. Many RBS programs are now being conducted online versus in-person due to issues of fidelity, overall implementation costs and flexibility for participants. A hybrid in-person/online RBS intervention is not yet common, but may have advantages for implementers and participants. Methods: We conducted a case study comparing two versions of the Alcohol Risk Management training program, a training for managers of alcohol outlets aimed at the adoption and implementation of responsible alcohol policies: (1) an in-person only version (ARM), and (2) a hybrid in-person/online version (eARM). Staff from each program identified advantages and disadvantages of development and implementation of each training modality. Common themes were identified through discussion and the level of alcohol policy adoption for each program was examined. Results: 13 of 18 policies (72%) were adopted on average with ARM, and 12 of 14 policies (86%), on average, were adopted with eARM. Emerging themes included cost effectiveness, intensity of training, fidelity, sustainability, personnel requirements and key characteristics of participation. eARM staff noted that it took extensive communication with managers to use the online components and were doubtful about the prospects of an online-only training for RBS. The hybrid model has higher developmental and personnel costs which exceed in-person only training. Conclusion: Researchers should carefully weigh the disadvantage of higher costs associated with implementing a hybrid program with the clear advantages such as greater flexibility, providing higher levels of fidelity and sustainability.