Research abstract
British Dental Journal 203, E20 (2007)
Published online: 28 September 2007 | doi:10.1038/bdj.2007.911
Subject Categories: Computers in dentistry | Continuing professional development | Dental education
Post-impact evaluation of an e-learning cross-infection control CD-ROM provided to all general dental practitioners in England
S. Leaton Gray1, C. Howell2 & C. D. Franklin3
- Multimedia CD-ROMs can offer an effective and useful method of supporting continuing professional development.
- The fact that not all members of the dental team may have access to a posted resource following distribution suggests that online delivery may be preferable.
- Delivery of learning material by electronic means appears to have a beneficial effect in influencing change in clinical practice.
- Interactive e-learning resources with inbuilt CPD modules may provide a more interesting way of accessing information in areas not easily delivered by conventional means.
Abstract
Aim To carry out a post-impact evaluation of a cross-infection control CD-ROM, developed for NHS dental teams as a continuing professional development e-learning tool. The program was commissioned by the Department of Health and developed by a project team through the UK Committee of Postgraduate Dental Deans. The Dental Practice Board had originally sent one copy of the CD-ROM to each dental practice in England in 2004.
Method A quantitative statistical analysis of the results of 326 online respondents to the learning package and a survey of 118 dental practitioners drawn from the Dental Practice Board database.
Results Practitioners felt the CD-ROM in this instance was well-designed and appropriate for their needs. It is inclusive and accessible to a wide range of dental professionals including nurses and hygienists.
Conclusions This form of continuing professional development is popular with dental practitioners, although it should not be the only form of continuing professional development available. However, whilst the project was generally regarded as successful, there were problems with the distribution of the CD-ROM. This suggests that an online resource should be made available in the future.
- Lecturer in Education, School of Education and Lifelong Learning, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ
- Centre for Applied Research in Educational Technologies, University of Cambridge, 1st Floor, 16 Mill Lane, Cambridge, CB2 1SB
- Senior Lecturer/Honorary Consultant in Oral Pathology, Department of Oral Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Claremont Crescent, Sheffield, S10 2TA
Correspondence to: S. Leaton Gray1 e-mail: s.leaton-gray@uea.ac.uk
MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS
These links to content published by NPG are automatically generated
RESEARCH
Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism Original Article
The role of primary healthcare professionals in oral cancer prevention and detection
British Dental Journal Research (13 Sep 2003)
British Dental Journal Research (13 Sep 2003)
Contemporary dental practice in the UK: demographic data and practising arrangements
British Dental Journal Research (08 Jan 2005)
