A model for self-directed learning in a military facility

Continuing education for health care providers presents an ongoing challenge in an environment of personnel limitations and budget constraints. Learning is a constant requirement for safe and effective health care practice; in addition, it is often a requirement for licensure. The purpose of this article is to review a model of distance learning as a method of education to meet the needs of a multidisciplinary staff, applicable to all services and types of personnel. The model was implemented in the Department of Nursing at Madigan Army Medical Center. The results were deemed highly successful after 1 year, considering the large number of contact hours completed and the relatively low cost invested. The conclusion indicates that distance learning provides a high level of knowledge attainment available 24 hours a day, even at remote military settings and outlying facilities.