title: "BreastfeedingBasics": web-based education that meets current knowledge competencies.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The United States has not met the majority of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention goals for breastfeeding duration. Studies have shown a lack of knowledge about breastfeeding by health care professionals and students (HCP/S). Web-based education can be a cost-effective manner of education for HCP/S. "BreastfeedingBasics" is an online free educational program available for use.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study compares information in "BreastfeedingBasics" to the breastfeeding knowledge competencies recommended by the US Breastfeeding Committee (USBC). It also evaluates usage of "BreastfeedingBasics" by users and health care professional faculty.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using anonymous information from Web site users, the authors compared mean pre-test and post-test scores of the modules as a measure of the knowledge gained by HCP/S users. They evaluated usage by demographic information and used a Web-based survey to assess benefits of usage of "BreastfeedingBasics" to faculty.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, 15 020 HCP/S used the Web site between April 1999 and December 2009. "BreastfeedingBasics" meets 8 of the 11 USBC knowledge competencies. Mean post-test scores increased (P < .001) for all modules. Faculty reported its benefits to be free, broad scope, and the ability to be completed on the students' own time; 84% of the faculty combined the use of "BreastfeedingBasics" with clinical work.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Use of "BreastfeedingBasics" can help HCP/S meet the USBC core breastfeeding knowledge competencies and gain knowledge. Faculty are satisfied with its use. Wider use of "BreastfeedingBasics" to help improve the knowledge of HCP/S may help in improving breastfeeding outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Linda Orkin
authors.initials: LO
authors.lastname: Lewin
authors.forename: Mary E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: O'Connor
mesh_terms: D001942:Breast Feeding; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003479:Curriculum; D004517:Education, Professional / Q000379:methods*; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D014481:United States