The WISDOM project: training primary care professionals in informatics in a collaborative 'virtual classroom'

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Medical Education Technology
• Primary Care Research

Background:

• The WISDOM project utilized internet technologies to establish a virtual classroom for health informatics training.
• Primary care professionals participated in a facilitated e-mail discussion list and accessed online resources via a website.

Purpose of the Study:

• To apply internet technologies for health informatics education among primary care professionals.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of a virtual classroom model for delivering informatics training.

Main Methods:

• An adult-learning model was employed, focusing on self-identified learning needs and practical application of informatics skills.
• The study involved 28 primary care professionals in 1997, using pre- and post-intervention questionnaires.
• Assessments measured perceived changes in informatics and evidence-based practice skills.

Main Results:

• Participants reported statistically significant improvements in eight informatics skills.
• No significant changes were observed in evidence-based practice skills.
• The website, seminar program, and discussion list received high ratings for their utility in informatics training.

Conclusions:

• The WISDOM virtual classroom approach is effective for delivering informatics training to primary care professionals.
• This model holds potential for broader application in training other professional groups and subjects.
• Further research is needed to optimize the facilitation of virtual classrooms.