Using evaluation to guide successful development of an online training course for healthcare professionals.
OBJECTIVE
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention developed an online training course to address a lack of knowledge among healthcare professionals regarding the identification of patients at risk for hemochromatosis and recognition of its related early symptoms. A multilevel evaluation design was used to (a) guide course development, (b) test course efficacy, and (c) assess training impact.


METHODS
Highly focused, brief evaluation activities with the intended audience (N = 642) provided a stream of qualitative and quantitative data that guided course design, development, and implementation.


RESULTS
The training course had intended positive impacts on healthcare professionals' knowledge and perceived competence in recognizing, diagnosing, and treating hemochromatosis. Both physicians and nurses directly attributed changes in their clinical practice to course participation including increases in appropriate diagnostic biochemical testing for iron overload in new and existing patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The hemochromatosis course is a successful learning tool that has the desired impact on learning and knowledge reinforcement. The evaluation conducted provided a stream of evidence that was useful in course development as well as assessment of training outcomes. The detailed evaluation plan description may serve as a template for assessing other online continuing education training courses that address public health issues.
Dunet
Diane O
DO
Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, USA. ddunet@cdc.gov
Reyes
Michele
M
Grossniklaus
Daurice
D
Volansky
Michele
M
Blanck
Heidi Michels
HM
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002487:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.; D020375:Education, Distance / Q000379:methods*; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D006432:Hemochromatosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D017145:Models, Educational; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011635:Public Health Administration / Q000193:education*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States