Diffusion of an e-learning programme among Danish General Practitioners: a nation-wide prospective survey.
BACKGROUND
We were unable to identify studies that have considered the diffusion of an e-learning programme among a large population of general practitioners. The aim of this study was to investigate the uptake of an e-learning programme introduced to General Practitioners as part of a nation-wide disseminated dementia guideline.


METHODS
A prospective study among all 3632 Danish GPs. The GPs were followed from the launching of the e-learning programme in November 2006 and 6 months forward.


METHODS
Use of the e-learning programme. A logistic regression model (GEE) was used to identify predictors for use of the e-learning programme.


RESULTS
In the study period, a total of 192 different GPs (5.3%) were identified as users, and 17% (32) had at least one re-logon. Among responders at first login most have learnt about the e-learning programme from written material (41%) or from the internet (44%). A total of 94% of the users described their ability of conducting a diagnostic evaluation as good or excellent. Most of the respondents used the e-learning programme due to general interest (90%). Predictors for using the e-learning programme were Males (OR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.1; 2.0) and members of Danish College of General Practice (OR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.5; 3.1), whereas age, experience and working place did not seem to be influential.


CONCLUSIONS
Only few Danish GPs used the e-learning programme in the first 6 months after the launching. Those using it were more often males and members of Danish College of General Practice. Based on this study we conclude, that an active implementation is needed, also when considering electronic formats of CME like e-learning.


BACKGROUND
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00392483.
Waldorff
Frans Boch
FB
Research Unit and Department of General Practice, Institute of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. fbw@gpract.ku.dk
Steenstrup
Annette Plesner
AP
Nielsen
Bente
B
Rubak
Jens
J
Bro
Flemming
F
D003718:Denmark; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D020375:Education, Distance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000193:education*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires