Maximizing the use of a Web-based teaching skills curriculum for community-based volunteer faculty.
BACKGROUND
The University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita created an Internet-based faculty development curriculum for community-based faculty. Because relatively few physicians use Internet-based continuing medical education (CME), the most cost-effective methods of encouraging use need to be identified.


METHODS
Five interventions intended to increase use of the curriculum were assessed. The number of times the CME curriculum Webpages were accessed was correlated with the interventions.


RESULTS
Demonstrating the Website to faculty at a semiannual meeting elicited the most Website "hits." Electronic mail and flyers also appeared to be effective in stimulating interest in the Website. Only four community-based faculty applied for CME credit for completing the curricular modules.


RESULTS
Multiple modalities should be used in advertising and stimulating interest in an Internet-based faculty development curriculum. Demonstrating the Website to faculty at a meeting appeared to achieve the greatest return. Offering CME credit was not helpful in stimulating interest.
Beasley
B W
BW
Department of Medical Education, Saint Luke's Hospital, University of Missouri-Kansas City, USA.
Kallail
K J
KJ
Walling
A D
AD
Davis
N
N
Hudson
L
L
D003479:Curriculum; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007396:Internship and Residency; D007615:Kansas; D013663:Teaching; D014838:Volunteers