Innovative Education Strategies: Evaluation of a collaborative statewide distance learning curriculum for epidemiology

Background: The nursing faculty shortage, the nursing shortage and the public's heightened interest in nursing careers have required the development of innovative strategies to deliver curriculum to ever-growing groups of students. A unique opportunity arose in Oregon, as part of the Oregon Consortium for Nursing Education curriculum, to develop a required epidemiology course to undergraduate nursing students. The course was developed by a nurse epidemiologist to be delivered as an on-line/in-class by local faculty at 5 nursing school campuses across the state. Methods: Student scores were analyzed at one campus prior to implementation of the statewide course (N = 90 students). In spring of 2010 the same data will be analyzed and compared to the baseline data (N = approx. 150). Students will engage in a qualitative assessment of their ability to learn in the hybrid format. Faculty interviews will be analyzed to establish feasibility and satisfaction with the method. Results: Preliminary analyses indicate no difference in scores between the baseline and statewide courses. Results from the 5 campus comparison, student qualitative data, and faculty interviews will be presented.