Web-based training for EMT continuing education.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: New Internet technologies offer the opportunity to delivery quality instruction to emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in a cost-effective manner. The purpose of this study was to determine whether web-based continuing education (CE) could be developed at a low cost and provide a high level of satisfaction and acceptance among EMTs. METHODS: EMTs completed web-based CE modules in place of traditional instructor-led instruction. The EMTs in the study completed a questionnaire that assessed acceptance and satisfaction. Expenses for producing and delivering web-based instruction and delivering instructor-led instruction were tracked for all aspects of the project. RESULTS: Seventy-four percent of the EMTs strongly preferred the web-based modules over instructor-led modules. Other survey items indicated a high level of acceptance of the format (87%). The web-based modules in this study were produced and delivered at a cost of dollar 3 per EMT/module, which is less than the costs of traditional instructor-led training, ranging from dollar 21 to dollar 82 per EMT/module. CONCLUSION: Although not a replacement for all instructor-led training, web-based training can be a cost-effective and acceptable alternative for achieving instructional objectives within the cognitive domain. It offers other benefits such as improved administration of training records and consistent delivery of content.