The objectives of Phase 2 of the Health Agency Training program (HAT) included the presentation of educational materials using distance methods. The Missouri State Department of Health (MDOH), participating in the program since its origination in 1991, has an active training office as well as considerable experience using satellite presentations to provide training throughout the state. Through a partnership with the MDOH Office of Training and Professional Development, the HAT program, and the MDOH Center for Local Public Health Services, a series of satellite presentations were developed. In Missouri, local health departments contract with the state to provide core functions. Consequently, the need for additional education on the use of data for decision-making became apparent. A pilot presentation was developed to evaluate the feasibility of the method. The overall content of the presentation was determined through a needs assessment of local health personnel, the requirements of the Center for Local Public Health Services, and consultation with HAT personnel. Following the success of the pilot presentation and using feedback from local personnel, the program was expanded into bi-monthly presentations using both HAT and state personnel as presenters. All presentations by HAT personnel included using the HAT web site to provide (1) a download of the presentation and (2) additional information on the topic of the presentation. The success of these efforts and future development of distance education methods will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: The participant will be able to: 1. describe the role of distance learning in training at the local health agency level. 2. Discuss the process and components of a successful distance technology presentation for local health personnel
Keywords: Distance Learning, Local Public Health Agencies
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.