title: Evaluation outcomes resulting from an internet-based continuing professional development (CPD) asthma program: its impact on participants' knowledge and satisfaction.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Previous studies have focused on the evaluation of Internet-based continuing professional development (CPD), but few have focused on the clinical area of asthma. Our purpose was to examine the evaluation outcomes related to knowledge and satisfaction that resulted from the provision of an Internet-based CPD program focusing on this clinical area.
  
  
  METHODS
  Evaluation methodologies included a pre-/post-knowledge assessment (multiple choice) and a satisfaction survey. Completion of all assessments was voluntary, with the exception of the post-knowledge assessment for which completion was required for credit claim.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were a total of N = 457 unique registrants in the course over 1 year. A total of N = 125 course participants completed both pre- and post-knowledge assessments. An overall mean pre-knowledge score of 11.54 and a post-knowledge score of 16.04 were reported. Paired samples t-test analyses indicated a significant pre- to post-knowledge gain overall and for the majority of professions; 95.8% of the N = 46 satisfaction survey respondents reported that the program addressed their learning needs; 89.1% reported that it was relevant to practice.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Recent studies focusing specifically on asthma were non-Canadian pilot studies with small sample sizes. The study findings highlight a similar initiative in Canada, which provided health professionals who care for patients with asthma access to relevant CPD with a Canadian perspective. The findings show that course participants were extremely satisfied and that they increased their knowledge in this clinical area. Further development of such Internet-based programs may encourage health professionals to improve their knowledge in a variety of therapeutic areas.
authors.affiliation: Professional Development & Conferencing Services, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. lfleet@mun.ca
authors.forename: Lisa J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Fleet
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fox
authors.forename: Fran
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kirby
authors.forename: Cindy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Whitton
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: McIvor
mesh_terms: D001249:Asthma / Q000628:therapy*; D002170:Canada; D004496:Education, Continuing / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D015397:Program Evaluation