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Development of an on-line bioterrorism preparedness course
Robert G Westphal1, Susan Jewell, Edward Skawinski
1Center for Public Health Preparedness, School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York, One University Circle, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA. westphal@albany.edu
Journal of Public Health Management and Practice : JPHMP
|October 6, 2005
Summary
An online course on bioterrorism and emergency preparedness successfully trained over 6,000 public health workers. The course
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Emergency Preparedness
- Bioterrorism Training
Background:
- Growing need for public health worker education on bioterrorism.
- Limited accessible training resources available.
- Importance of preparedness for public health emergencies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and implement an online, web-based, certificated course on bioterrorism and emergency preparedness.
- To reach a large audience of public health professionals and interested individuals.
- To provide accessible and accurate information on terrorism preparedness.
Main Methods:
- Designed and developed an interactive, user-friendly online course.
- Utilized real case studies and historical perspective in content.
- Included a certificate of completion upon passing an exam.
Main Results:
- Over 6,000 individuals registered for the course from all 50 states and internationally (as of May 2005).
- Approximately 2,400 participants successfully completed the course and received a certificate.
- High acceptance attributed to interactive features and quality content.
Conclusions:
- The online course effectively disseminated knowledge on bioterrorism and emergency preparedness.
- Interactivity, user-friendliness, and accurate content contributed to the course's success.
- This model can be replicated for other public health training initiatives.