Impact of an online analytic skills course

This article describes the effect of an online analytic skills training course on professional development and practice and discusses recommendations for using this training modality in the public health workforce. The Enhancing Data Utilization Skills Through Information Technology initiative trained professionals in maternal and child health from 13 Southerntier state and local health departments to collect, analyze, and interpret data via a year-long Web-based course. The evaluation of this initiative was based on a model of change for health professionals that holds that training influences behavior by increasing knowledge, influencing beliefs related to the behavior, enhancing self-efficacy, and improving skills. Participants' knowledge, beliefs, and self-efficacy all increased significantly during the course. Participants' self-assessed skill levels increased significantly for each of 12 selected skills and overall for all skills combined. Distance learning is potentially an effective means for professionals to advance their skills while continuing to fulfill their work-related responsibilities.