Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Pre-Function Lobby & Grand Ballroom D2/E (M4) (Omni Hotel)
Rachel Kachur, MPH, Department of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, Amanda Price, Stetson University, DeLand, FL, Doug Richardson, MAS, Department of Public Health, Denver Health, Denver, CO, Stephan Adelson, Consultant, Adelson Consulting Services, Chelsea, MA, Benton Westergaard, BS, Denver Public Health, Denver Health, Denver, CO, Mary McFarlane, PhD, Division of STD Prevention, CDC, NCHHSTP, Atlanta, GA and Cornelis Rietmeijer, MD, PhD, STD Control Program, Denver Public Health, Denver, CO
Background: In 2006, Denver Public Health established an Internet and STD Center of Excellence (COE) in order to rapidly develop, implement, and evaluate (via pilot-tests) new, technology-related efforts for STD prevention. The COE created the networking site STD Prevention Online (STD-PO), to facilitate the sharing of resources and information and to promote communication between STD/HIV & sexual health professionals. Launched in Fall 2007, STD-PO has over 2300 members. To assess use of and satisfaction with the site, an evaluation was conducted in Summer 2009.
Objectives: The evaluation assessed how well STD-PO connects sexual health professionals with people and resources needed to perform their jobs.
Methods: An online questionnaire was emailed to all members of STD-PO. A repeat email was sent 2 weeks later.
Results: 358 members responded (15% of total membership; 51% of users who logged on in past 90 days). Of respondents, 96% felt the site provided relevant STD information, 93% felt the site provided content they couldn’t find anywhere else, and 94% stated the site allowed them to network with colleagues. 78% reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the site. Users appreciated the original content and access to colleagues but noted that navigation of the site could be faster and easier.
Conclusions: STD-PO meets its intended goals of connecting sexual health professionals and survey respondents feel the site provides them with unique, relevant information and resources.
Implications for Programs, Policy, and/or Research: Results from the survey will be used to improve the site to better serve its members.
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