Web-based training for EMT continuing education.
OBJECTIVE
New Internet technologies offer the opportunity to delivery quality instruction to emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in a cost-effective manner. The purpose of this study was to determine whether web-based continuing education (CE) could be developed at a low cost and provide a high level of satisfaction and acceptance among EMTs.


METHODS
EMTs completed web-based CE modules in place of traditional instructor-led instruction. The EMTs in the study completed a questionnaire that assessed acceptance and satisfaction. Expenses for producing and delivering web-based instruction and delivering instructor-led instruction were tracked for all aspects of the project.


RESULTS
Seventy-four percent of the EMTs strongly preferred the web-based modules over instructor-led modules. Other survey items indicated a high level of acceptance of the format (87%). The web-based modules in this study were produced and delivered at a cost of dollar 3 per EMT/module, which is less than the costs of traditional instructor-led training, ranging from dollar 21 to dollar 82 per EMT/module.


CONCLUSIONS
Although not a replacement for all instructor-led training, web-based training can be a cost-effective and acceptable alternative for achieving instructional objectives within the cognitive domain. It offers other benefits such as improved administration of training records and consistent delivery of content.
Jerin
John M
JM
Public Health-Seattle and King County, Emergency Medical Services Division, Washington 98104, USA. john.jerin@metrokc.gov
Rea
Thomas D
TD
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004496:Education, Continuing / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D020375:Education, Distance; D004634:Emergency Medical Technicians / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D015397:Program Evaluation; D014481:United States; D014861:Washington