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A model for self-directed learning in a military facility
C Rivero1, E A Mittelstaedt, W M Bice-Stephens
1Department of Nursing, Madigan Army Medical Center, Fort Lewis, WA 98431, USA.
Military Medicine
|August 23, 2001
Summary
Distance learning effectively addresses continuing education needs for healthcare providers, overcoming personnel and budget challenges. This flexible model ensures continuous learning for safe practice, even in remote military settings.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Education
- Distance Learning
- Continuing Professional Development
Background:
- Continuing education is crucial for healthcare providers but faces challenges like limited staff and budgets.
- Maintaining up-to-date knowledge is essential for safe and effective healthcare practice and licensure.
- Multidisciplinary staff require accessible and flexible educational solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review a distance learning model for healthcare provider education.
- To assess its applicability across various services and personnel types.
- To address the persistent challenge of continuing education in resource-constrained environments.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of a distance learning model within the Department of Nursing at Madigan Army Medical Center.
- Evaluation of the model's effectiveness after one year of use.
- Analysis of completed contact hours and associated costs.
Main Results:
- The distance learning model proved highly successful after one year.
- A significant number of contact hours were completed by staff.
- The program demonstrated a relatively low cost of investment.
Conclusions:
- Distance learning offers a viable solution for continuing education in healthcare.
- It facilitates high knowledge attainment accessible 24/7.
- The model is particularly beneficial for remote military settings and outlying facilities.