Zoon Wangu1, Barbara Gray, Janine Dyer, Wendy Chow, Tamara Calise, Katherine K Hsu. 1. From the *Ratelle STD/HIV Prevention Training Center, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Jamaica Plain, MA; †Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases & Immunology, UMass Memorial Children's Medical Center, Worcester, MA; ‡JSI Research and Training Institute, Inc, Boston, MA; and §Section of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, MA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The translation of evidence-based guidelines for sexually transmitted disease (STD) care into clinical practice is crucial for the prevention and control of STDs. METHODS: Participants in a hands-on, multifaceted, small-group STD Clinical Intensive Course from 2006 to 2013 were asked to complete a survey regarding course content and value compared with other continuing education courses. Survey respondents with demographic and professional information were compared with all other course participants. χ Statistics were used to test for differences in proportions; the Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to evaluate for trends in response rate by year of training. RESULTS: Of 113 respondents (35.9% response rate), 92.9% felt that clinical knowledge stayed longer, 84.1% changed clinical practice more, and 90.3% recommended the course more, compared with other continuing education programs in which they had participated previously. Respondents' average suggested registration fee should the course no longer be free was $188.90. Physician assistants and advanced practice nurses were overrepresented among respondents (69.4% vs. 58.1%, P = 0.04); more recent course participants were more likely to respond (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that this STD experiential clinical training program is still relevant to participants in the digital age and is valued more highly than other continuing education experiences. A significant disconnect was identified between what participants are willing/able to pay versus actual course costs, indicating that cost is likely to become a barrier to participation should the course no longer be free.
BACKGROUND: The translation of evidence-based guidelines for sexually transmitted disease (STD) care into clinical practice is crucial for the prevention and control of STDs. METHODS:Participants in a hands-on, multifaceted, small-group STD Clinical Intensive Course from 2006 to 2013 were asked to complete a survey regarding course content and value compared with other continuing education courses. Survey respondents with demographic and professional information were compared with all other course participants. χ Statistics were used to test for differences in proportions; the Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to evaluate for trends in response rate by year of training. RESULTS: Of 113 respondents (35.9% response rate), 92.9% felt that clinical knowledge stayed longer, 84.1% changed clinical practice more, and 90.3% recommended the course more, compared with other continuing education programs in which they had participated previously. Respondents' average suggested registration fee should the course no longer be free was $188.90. Physician assistants and advanced practice nurses were overrepresented among respondents (69.4% vs. 58.1%, P = 0.04); more recent course participants were more likely to respond (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that this STD experiential clinical training program is still relevant to participants in the digital age and is valued more highly than other continuing education experiences. A significant disconnect was identified between what participants are willing/able to pay versus actual course costs, indicating that cost is likely to become a barrier to participation should the course no longer be free.
Authors: Bradley P Stoner; Jami Fraze; Cornelis A Rietmeijer; Janine Dyer; Alice Gandelman; Edward W Hook; Christine Johnston; Natalie M Neu; Anne M Rompalo; Gail Bolan Journal: Sex Transm Dis Date: 2019-08 Impact factor: 2.830
Authors: Christopher Voegeli; Jami Fraze; Karen Wendel; Helen Burnside; Cornelis A Rietmeijer; Allison Finkenbinder; Kimberly Taylor; Sharon Devine Journal: Sex Transm Dis Date: 2021-01 Impact factor: 3.868