In 2000, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new pediatric growth charts used by public health and pediatric professionals to track growth of 82 million infants, children and adolescents in the United States. A new addition was the Body Mass Index (BMI)-for-age chart, recommended as a screening tool to routinely assess overweight. Focus group interviews identified training on using the BMI-for-age charts as a national need; consequently, a distance training initiative was undertaken. CDC collaborated with the University of Illinois at Chicago’s School of Public Health, federal and state partners and professional organizations, to develop a set of web-based training modules that focus on the science behind the growth charts, using BMI-for-age, and clinical applications. The self-contained modules were designed for ease of use to accommodate the wide variation in available technology found in public health departments and clinics across the country; thus, modules were programmed for maximum scalability with multiple browsers, standardized plug-ins, and varying Internet connection speeds. Module completion time is relatively short in consideration of the busy schedule of staff in public health and clinical settings. The interactive modules include text, slides with audio, self-test with feedback and opportunities to gain hands-on experience using the growth charts. Modules were field-tested in public health settings. The web-based training was ‘marketed’ through several channels including listservs, state health departments, and professional organizations. Evaluation will determine the effectiveness of using distance training to reach public health professionals working with children and adolescents in the US. See www.cdc.gov/growthcharts
Learning Objectives: At the completion of this presentation, attendees will be able to 1. recognize the value of information technology for national training needs 2. describe dissemination approaches for an online national training program
Keywords: Distance Education, Collaboration
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am employed by CDC. CDC collaborated with state and federal partners and with a school of public health to develop and implement the web-based training modules