The Value of Experiential Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinical Training in the Digital Age

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.

Below:  Number of survey respondents with PIF data vs. all others, by year of course participation

Below:  Survey Responses

Full article at:   http://goo.gl/3RMHTr

By:  Wangu Z1, Gray B, Dyer J, Chow W, Calise T, Hsu KK.

• 1From 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. 
• Sex Transm Dis. 2016 Feb;43(2):134-6. doi: 10.1097/OLQ.0000000000000398.

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