Lessons learned from a pilot online course on pandemic influenza preparedness for local health departments in North Carolina

To increase knowledge and build skills relevant to the essential and unique elements of an influenza pandemic response in North Carolina local health departments, the North Carolina Center for Public Health Preparedness and the North Carolina Division of Public Health piloted a distance learning course in fall 2006. A course evaluation guided by the RAND public health preparedness logic model measured participant satisfaction, application of materials, and contribution of the course to participant preparedness. Specific evaluation items examined overall quality and how well course objectives to improve knowledge, enhance skills, and build capacity were met. Participants also completed pre- and post-course knowledge assessments.

Thirty-seven participants representing 36 local health departments completed the course. Evaluation results revealed a significant increase in knowledge related to pandemic influenza and excellent overall participant satisfaction. All participants agreed or strongly agreed that they would recommend this course to others involved in pandemic planning at the local level. Sixty-two percent of course completers plan to modify their influenza response plans based on information learned in the course. The class' confidence to perform specific functional capabilities related to a pandemic response significantly increased for all eight measured capabilities.

The course resulted in increased knowledge and skills relevant to a pandemic influenza response for local public health professionals. While the online format allowed participation from a greater number of geographic localities, the lack of direct instructor interaction was a source of dissatisfaction. However, the course met its objective of helping local responders prepare for an influenza pandemic.