Implementation and Evaluation of a Blended Learning Course on Tuberculosis for Front-Line Health Care Professionals

Abstract

Objectives: To implement and evaluate the effectiveness of a 10-module blended learning course on tuberculosis diagnosis for Ethiopian health care professionals. Methods: This implementation science research was conducted within the routine in-service training for health care professionals in Ethiopia. A combined web-based and faceto-face acid-fast bacilli microscopy course was designed and its applicability studied after 6 weeks of enrollment of 108 medical laboratory professionals. A survey was conducted to capture participants' feedback on the course. Results: Of 108 participants enrolled, 81 attended and 73 (90%) completed the course; 72 (94%) had no experience taking online courses. Mean percentages of quizzes, assignments/exercises, and hands-on scores were 88%, 70%, and 95%, respectively. No significant differences were found in scores between participants from public, private, and nongovernmental health facilities (P =.386) or between higher and lower level facilities (P =.533). Participants' overall satisfaction with the course was 88%. Conclusions: Blended learning was an effective pedagogic approach for this category of professionals because of the crucial need for hands-on training for practicing and translating knowledge into skills. This approach also had the advantages of keeping the costs of the entire course low and reaching a greater number of participants, all without significant disruption of work schedules.