[Evaluation of an online health promotion Diploma]

Health promotion in Chile is essential, considering its current epidemiologic status where chronic diseases are predominant.

To report the evaluation of an on-line Diploma in health promotion for Primary Health Care professionals.

Two hundred sixty four professionals from all regions of the country (40% rural and 60% urban) took the Diploma. It lasted 8 months with 248 academic hours distributed in 5 modules with a total of 15 units. The program was evaluated with four surveys answered by the students (general description of participants, mid-term, final and follow-up).

Students were highly satisfied with the program and especially with its interactive methodology which included tutorials, individual and group assignments, online discussions and a final project. The drawbacks were time restrictions and limited internet access. Ninety percent of students completed the course with an overall mean grade of 5.57 (out of a 1-7 scale). The follow-up survey showed that students implemented the new health promotion knowledge acquired, and put in practice their final assignment in their local counties. Also, most students improved their working conditions.

The on-line interactive and participative methodology applied in this Diploma had positive results and the evaluation model can be applied in other health promotion on-line education programs.