How we changed from paper to online education: Teaching Immunization Delivery and Evaluation

Abstract

This article discusses meeting the challenges encountered in changing a paper-based, interactive immunization delivery curriculum into an online, self-paced format. The program, TIDE (Teaching Immunization Delivery and Evaluation), was developed through collaborative efforts of medical educators and content experts with initial funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Ambulatory Pediatric Association and the Medical University of South Carolina. We summarize the efforts of the development team to create interactive case scenarios, provide ready access to resource materials and an audit tool for assessing the immunization rate of the learner's clinic or practice, and meet the rigorous requirements of awarding continuing education credit. Data based on more than 100 doctors’ and nurses’ evaluations indicate a trend toward higher overall ratings of the online version than the paper version (88% online vs. 76% paper reported module as very good or excellent). As the TIDE program is evaluated, the team's goal is to incorporate instructional methods to increase relevance and learners’ opportunities for ‘learning by doing.’ Future plans include extending online office assessment tools to encourage use for continuous quality improvement, and providing a mechanism for learners to share their techniques for obtaining and maintaining high immunization rates.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Carol J. Lancaster

CAROL J. LANCASTER, PhD, is Associate Professor in the Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, and Epidemiology, and Assistant Provost of Institutional Assessment at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.

Mary P. Mauldin

MARY P. MAULDIN, EdD, is Associate Professor and Director of the Educational Technology Lab at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Ben O. Gilbertson

BEN GILBERTSON is programmer and Web developer in the Educational Technology Lab at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Paul M. Darden

PAUL M. DARDEN, MD, is Professor in the Department of Pediatrics and Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, and Epidemiology at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Diane Kittredge

DIANE KITTREDGE, MD, is Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Dartmouth Medical School in Hanover, New Hampshire.