title: Using evaluation to guide successful development of an online training course for healthcare professionals.
abstract: 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.
authors: 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
authors: Diane O
authors: DO
authors: Dunet
authors: Michele
authors: M
authors: Reyes
authors: Daurice
authors: D
authors: Grossniklaus
authors: Michele
authors: M
authors: Volansky
authors: Heidi Michels
authors: HM
authors: Blanck
mesh_terms: 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