Design, delivery and evaluation of an email-based continuing professional development course on outdoor air pollution and health.

The authors designed an email-based discussion forum with the objective of promoting and supporting peer discussion on the health effects of outdoor air pollution, linked to a recently published review article. Clinical cases served as stimulus material and participants were provided with an online toolbox of resources. Message postings from 27 participants were most frequent (92) during the first of four weeks and lowest (17) during the second, suggesting that some participants were overwhelmed by the initial volume. Evaluation of short-term impact completed by 16 participants indicated that the course was successful in improving some participants' knowledge. Evaluation three months after course completion by 20 participants revealed an impact on clinical practice. As an alternative to email, requiring participants to visit a web page to view and submit postings may avoid problems related to volume of messages. Controlled delivery of small portions of information tied to specific self-directed tasks is also recommended.