Utilizing Technology to Close the HIV/AIDS Knowledge Gap in Texas/Oklahoma Region

Background:  The Texas/Oklahoma AIDS Education & Training Center is tasked with improving the quality of HIV/AIDS services by providing educational trainings in multiple formats - face-to-face and live distance learnings (synchronous) or recorded (asynchronous).

Program background:  Ninety seven percent (97%) of the region is considered rural with only 25% of the regional population living in this area, indicating the need for innovative and creative ways to deliver trainings. Therefore, distance learning has become a necessity to reach healthcare providers via multiple training modalities. During the first year (2010) online presence was 20%, with a 30% increase in the second year. In 2012, the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) recognized the TX/OK AETC as leader in providing distance learning education.  In order to implement effective and innovative communication and education a distance learning strategy has been initiated to achieve increased flexibility and convenience.

Evaluation Methods and Results:  The TX/OK AETC offers synchronous and asynchronous trainings. These training programs were marketed to over 20,000 people utilizing multiple marketing approaches including email, social media, event management system (virtual forum) and collaborative efforts with other HIV/AIDS service organizations in the region. From July 1, 2012 to December 31, 2013, 130 distance learning events have occurred all of which were recorded and are available for asynchronous learning. Fifty one percent (51%) of them provided continuing education for multiple disciplines. Over 7300 participants were trained by utilizing distance learning programs. Results indicate that 91% of these would recommend distance learning trainings to others, 85% reported that they can apply the information learned and 73% expressed willingness to make changes in their service settings. Fifty eight percent (58%) of participants self-rated their knowledge as either ‘novice’ or ‘basic’ level before training. Post-training only 17% of participants rated themselves at these levels – a 41% increase. Thirty eight percent (38%) pre-training rated themselves as ‘advanced’ or ‘expert’. Fifty two percent (52%) of participants self-rated post-training knowledge as ‘advanced’ or ‘expert’ - a 15% increase.

Conclusions:  Distance learning has become a viable training modality. Therefore, TX/OK AETC is taking steps in order to continue to provide up-to-date and relevant educational trainings by adding the following items to our distance learning strategy: mobile-friendly trainings, responsive website design, blended learning training modalities, mobile apps, dynamic email marketing system, and mobile-friendly data collection.

Implications for research and/or practice:  TX/OK AETC anticipates that the addition to the distance learning strategy has the potential to reach more providers in rural locations, higher accessibility for busy clinicians, targeted email marketing campaigns, and heightened user experience.  This strategy will enable TX/OK AETC to more effectively equip providers with the knowledge and skills to meet the healthcare needs of people living with HIV/AIDS in the region.