Delivering Education Through a Podcast to Change Provider Practice: A Mixed Methods Evaluation of a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Podcast

Abstract

Education delivery through multi-media such as podcasts has become more common yet impacts on behavior change are understudied. To address this, we evaluated an educational podcast available for continuing education (CE) credit to all providers but specifically tailored for children and/or women-focused specialties (i.e., family medicine, OBGYN, pediatric, prenatal, primary care). The podcast consisted of three 20-minute episodes focused on: (1) prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs); (2) perspectives from those with lived experience; and (3) treatment and prevention of FASDs at the provider level. Podcast effectiveness to educate providers was assessed using a mixed-methods evaluation. Participants completed registration information and an immediate post-test, which examined provider knowledge, self-efficacy, and practice behaviors related to FASD prevention. Qualitative data was collected from a sample of those who completed the post-test via focus groups conducted 6 months later. From March 2021 to March 2022 there were 579 listeners with 103 claiming CE credit (the evaluation sample) who participated in the evaluation. Participants reported high FASD-related knowledge; more than 85% were better able to educate patients about prenatal alcohol use risk and FASDs post-podcast. The majority (59.3%) intended to change practice based on what they learned. Qualitative results contextualized the benefits and challenges to changing practice, including structural barriers, and suggestions for enhancing the podcast in future seasons. Education delivered through podcasts can be effective in improving provider knowledge and self-efficacy and in promoting practice change. Podcasts offer broad reach and accessibility providing an opportunity to educate on topics including FASD.

Keywords

podcast fetal alcohol syndrome disorder healthcare providers education evaluation continuing education

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