Building providers' interpersonal skills through an online, constructivist learning experience

Many experts question the efficacy of teaching interpersonal skills through self-paced e-learning because: (1) media doesn't afford the learner the ability to directly practice the targeted interpersonal skills and (2) interpersonal skills are social; self-paced e-learning is not. While prima facie valid, these claims have not been empirically examined. Moreover, such e-learning does afford a cost-effective, efficient means of disseminating knowledge and skills.

The research question that drives this project is, therefore, "what level of practice fidelity can a self-paced, e-learning course support when teaching health care providers to effectively interact with patients?”

The context of our investigation is Just Ask, a web-based e-learning environment that builds care providers' interpersonal skills regarding STDs, HIV, and sexual activity. Grounded in a constructivist, problem-based learning framework, this multimedia learning experience engages the learner in patient assessment, screening, and treatment by:

1. meeting with experts to learn skills and strategies for effective patient interactions.

2. “shadowing” experienced health care providers through video scenarios.

3. providing primary care for patients through an interactive simulation interface.

Evaluation results indicate that Just Ask has a positive influence on the intended behaviors with regards to talking with their patients about sexual activity and issues and therefore the question of whether e-learning can be used to teach interpersonal skills appears to be a more complex one than previously considered: not “can it?” but “how and to what extent?”

The project framework and goals will be introduced, scenarios demonstrated, evaluation results reported, and implications for other training efforts drawn.