The WISDOM project: training primary care professionals in informatics in a collaborative 'virtual classroom'

The WISDOM project applies Internet technologies to create a virtual classroom in health informatics for primary care professionals and uses a facilitated E‐mail discussion list supported by a web site which provides on‐line resources and an archive of teaching materials.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The WISDOM project applies Internet technologies to create a virtual classroom in health informatics for primary care professionals. Participants use a facilitated E-mail discussion list supported by a web site which provides on-line resources and an archive of teaching materials. DESIGN: The project took an adult-learning model in which participants identify their learning needs, emphasized using informatics skills in practice, and focused on skills likely to enhance evidence-based practice. The paper describes the project and an evaluation of the first programme which ran in 1997 with 28 participants. Pre- and post-intervention questionnaires were used to assess perceived skills in informatics and evidence-based practice. SETTING: University of Sheffield. SUBJECTS: Primary care professionals. RESULTS: Participants reported statistically significant increases in eight informatics skills. There were no significant changes in evidence-based practice skills. The web-site, seminar programme and discussion list were highly rated as useful in delivering informatics training. CONCLUSIONS: The WISDOM approach is effective for the delivery of informatics training to primary care professionals, and may be used more widely for other subjects and professional groups. There is a need for further research into facilitating virtual classrooms.