California's Development of On-line Immunization Training

Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to:
1. List two benefits for online training
2. Identify essential learning topics for best immunization practices
3. Describe process for developing an online training

Background:
Medical office staff proficiency in vaccine administration, ordering procedures and vaccine storage and handling are critical to the success of the Vaccines for Children Program (VFC). Clinic staff need to know about the program's requirements and immunization best practices.
VFC Health Facility Evaluators play a key role in onsite provider education. However, as enrollment increases and office staff turn over, limited VFC field staff cannot support additional visits to train all new providers and staff. Moreover, continued lack of understanding in areas of storage and handling and ordering cost the program time and money.

Setting:
Online training provides brief learning modules that can be completed during breaks at any medical office with Internet access.

Population:
VFC providers and staff who administer, store, and order vaccines, primarily Medical Assistants

Project Description:
The training includes a series of interactive learning modules about program requirements, ordering of VFC-supplied vaccines, storage, handling, and proper administration techniques. The development process involved content analysis for the target audience, instructional design, producing and testing interactive online modules and website.

Results/Lessons Learned:
Online training both expands and compliments the onsite clinic visits done by field staff. Physician practices have indicated a willingness to give staff access to this new training. Most offices have Internet access and most staff stay on the job for more than 2 years.
The development process unexpectedly served as a vehicle to clarify certain policies and procedures, update existing materials, and prioritize the key issues that will most impact the program. The online training will have a phased-in development and an ongoing maintenance effort.