Background: In an effort to build data capacity and analytic skills among MCH data personnel in New York State the University of Rochester, in association with the CDC and ATPM, developed the distance-learning course ‘Maternal and Child Health Analytic Training for the Year 2010’ (MACH 2010). The program’s success can be assessed in terms of demonstrated skills acquisition and student retention. Methods: Individual pre and post-test scores, for each of the course’s five modules, were compared, both within and across modules, using paired-sample significance testing. Student retention rates were calculated as a measure of students’ abilities to complete the modules within the specified course timeframe. Results: Among the 28 students who began MACH 2010, 78.5% completed the entire course. Student attrition was low (21.5%), compared with other distance-learning programs, and occurred during the first few months of the class. Test scores improved significantly both within modules and when pooled across modules. Conclusions: Consistent increases in student test scores, within modules and overall, suggest that MACH 2010 is an effective means of increasing agency-level MCH analytic knowledge. In addition, the course’s high retention rate means a lower per-student cost investment. Public Health Implications: Although MCH personnel are under pressure to handle increasing amounts of data, barriers such as time, distance, and cost, preclude many from participating in continuing education. Distance-learning programs, like MACH 2010, provide much-needed agency-level training while minimizing these obstacles. See www.urmc.rochester.edu/smd/cpm/mach2010/index.htm
Learning Objectives: - Describe MACH 2010 objectives and how they relate to Healthy People 2010 - Assess MACH 2010's success at improving MCH data skills - Identify the role of distance-learning in promoting Healthy People 2010
Keywords: Maternal and Child Health, Distance Learning
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: University of Rochester's Division of Public Health Practice (MACH 2010 distance learning)
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.