Evaluation of an e-Learning platform for educators to improve education around infection prevention and antibiotics

ABSTRACT

e-Bug, an international educational resource for educators to teach children about hygiene and antibiotics, developed free e-Learning for educators to increase knowledge about e-Bug and develop skills to optimise use. Educators completed an online evaluation survey after completing the e-Learning. Quantitative data were analysed using Microsoft Excel. Two qualitative focus groups explored educator views; data were thematically analysed. One hundred participants participated. Overall impression of the e-Learning was very good/good (88%). Eighty per cent stated that their perceived knowledge of e-Bug improved after completing the training. Four main themes emerged from qualitative data: attributes of the e-Learning, perceived educator self-development, promotion and accreditation of educator training, and the delivery of educator training. Educators suggested modifications. Authors conclude that e-Learning is a suitable tool to aid educator learning; educators view the e-Bug e-Learning as a valuable continuous professional development resource to improve educator knowledge, confidence and skills to teach about hygiene topics.

KEYWORDS:

• E-Bug
• health education
• e-Learning
• mixed methods
• training

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Megan Bull and Beverley Hoekstra, Primary Care Unit, for their contribution to the preliminary research. We would also like to thank all educators who took part in the online evaluation survey and the focus groups. This work was supported by Public Health England.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Charlotte V. Eley

Charlotte V. Eley is a Research Project Support Officer within the Primary Care Unit, Public Health England.

Vicki L. Young

Vicki L. Young is a Project Manager within the Primary Care Unit, Public Health England.

Catherine V. Hayes

Catherine V. Hayes is a Project Assistant within the Primary Care Unit, Public Health England.

Cliodna A. M. McNulty

Cliodna A. M. McNulty is a Project Lead within the Primary Care Unit, Public Health England.