Evaluation of Diverse Health Professionals' Learning Experience in a Continuing Education Activity for Quality Practices in Molecular Genetic Testing

Bin Chen; Shahram Shahangian; Thomas H. Taylor; Ajay Yesupriya; Carol Greene; Valerie J. Curry; Barbara Zehnbauer

doi:10.29074/ascls.29.4.200

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Bin Chen, PhD, FACMG⇑
1. Division of Laboratory Systems, Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services, CDC, Atlanta GA
Shahram Shahangian, PhD, MS, DABCC, FACB
1. Division of Laboratory Systems, Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services, CDC, Atlanta GA
Thomas H. Taylor Jr., PE, MS
1. Division of Laboratory Systems, Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services, CDC, Atlanta GA
Ajay Yesupriya, MPH
1. Department of Anthropology, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY
Carol Greene, MD, FACMG
1. University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
Valerie J. Curry, MSIR, BSN, RN
1. Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development, Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services, CDC (retired), Atlanta GA
Barbara Zehnbauer, PhD, FACMG
1. Department of Pathology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA

Address for Correspondence: Bin Chen, PhD, FACMG, Division of Laboratory Systems, Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services, CDC, 1600 Clifton Road NE, MS G-23, Atlanta, GA 30329. Telephone: 404-498-2228; Fax: 404-498-2215; E-mail: bkc1{at}cdc.gov

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate the responses of 3,265 health professionals who took a continuing education (CE) activity during June 2009 - April 2012 for a comprehensive set of good laboratory practice recommendations for molecular genetic testing.

DESIGN: Participants completed an evaluation questionnaire as part of the CE activity. Responses were summarized to assess the participants' learning outcomes and commitment to applying the knowledge gained.

PARTICIPANTS: Participants included nurses (47%), laboratory professionals (18%), physicians (14%), health educators (4%), public health professionals (2%), office staff (1%), and other health professionals (10%).

RESULTS: Only 32% of all participants correctly answered all 12 open-book knowledge-check questions, ranging from 4 to 42% among the different professional groups (P<0.0001). However, over 80% of all participants expressed confidence in describing the practice recommendations, and 75% indicated the recommendations would improve the quality of their practice. Developing health education materials and local practice guidelines represented the common areas in which participants planned to use the knowledge gained (49% and 18% of all participants, respectively).

CONCLUSION: Despite perceived self-efficacy in most participants, as high as 68% did not fully use the learning materials provided to answer the knowledge-check questions. These findings suggest the need for improved CE activities that motivate effective learning and address the specific needs of different health professions.

ABBREVIATIONS: Continuing education (CE), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA), CDC Training and Continuing Education Online (CDC TCEO)