Improving immunization training: Evaluation of an online self-study course

Effective delivery of immunization services requires that healthcare professionals regularly update their knowledge about current vaccine recommendations. Immunization: You Call the Shots (YCTS) is an online training course designed to improve providers' immunization practices. YCTS consists of a series of modules about specific vaccines and issues relative to vaccine use. Since 2005, more than 2000 clinicians have participated in this self-study program, received continuing education credit, and provided evaluation data as described below.

An objective evaluation, implemented in two phases, was conducted to assess users' experience and satisfaction with the course as well as demographics, including level of education, profession, and work setting. The overall intent was to gain insight into the extent that participants increased their knowledge and enhanced their clinical competencies.

Phase I of the evaluation involved an analysis of continuing education data that were collected from individuals who completed at least one of the six course modules. Phase II involved a collection of more detailed information through a series of telephone focus groups with individuals who completed a more recently released seventh module.

This presentation will discuss evaluation methods and present findings covering participants' application of knowledge, use of the course (in-service, refresher), difficulties with content or navigation, recommendations for course improvement, and suggestions on ways to effectively market the course to others who could benefit from the training.