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American Public Health Association
133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition
December 10-14, 2005
Philadelphia, PA
APHA 2005
 
5127.0: Wednesday, December 14, 2005 - 12:30 PM

Abstract #113457

Effectiveness of a web-based survey for evaluating an OSHA training program

Kristin Rankin1, Rosemary Sokas, MD, MOH2, Leslie Nickels, MEd3, Janie Gittleman, PhD, MRP4, and Christina Trahan, CIH4. (1) CADE, SPH, University of Illinois, 1603 W. Taylor (m/c 923), Chgo, IL 60612, 312-996-0179, krankin@uic.edu, (2) EOHS - M/C 922, University of Illinois-Chicago School of Public Health, 2121 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL 60612, (3) School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, SPH, 2121 W Taylor, Chicago, IL 60612, (4) The Center to Protect Workers' Rights, 8484 Georgia Avenue, Suite 1000, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Though Internet technology has become vital, web-based surveys have been underutilized as a rapid and efficient method for collecting and sharing research data. A survey to evaluate the Smartmark training program was developed by occupational health researchers and workers' rights representatives, then displayed as a web-based survey with validation checks and skip patterns to provide a seamless and customized participant experience. It was deployed to trainers who had specified an e-mail address as a mode of contact. A specified algorithm was used by each participant to create a unique identifier which made the survey anonymous but also allowed the participant to log in and out at their convenience to complete the survey. Of the 454 trainers who were e-mailed for participation, 366 had valid e-mail addresses and 118 logged in to view the survey. Three reminder e-mails were sent to the group of trainers throughout the study, eliciting 17.6% of the total responses the day the initial e-mail was sent and 38.2% of the responses after the last reminder. The response rate for trainers completing at least one page of the survey was 102/366 (27.9%). The completion rate was 75/366 (20.5%). Data were compiled and SAS/IntrNet was used to disseminate dynamic, online analyses from a secure website to the members of the study team, who were located in two different cities. Overall, this approach provided a cost-effective method for collecting and sharing data that can be used as a model for further research using this medium.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to

Keywords: Internet Tools, Evaluation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

[ Recorded presentation ] Recorded presentation

Qualitative Assessment Strategies in Occupational Safety & Health

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA