Videoconferences for rural physicians’ continuing health education

Abstract

The University of Alberta uses videoconferencing to link physicians in interactive continuing health education. We examined evaluations of 29 videoconferences for rural practitioners during the programme year September 2003–May 2004. The evaluation form, completed by participants following the presentation, used both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. The average attendance for the videoconference sessions was 40 people. A total of 593 evaluations were collected (response rate 51%). The audience were very satisfied with the programme and felt that the sessions were relevant to their practice. The interactive discussion component was rated very highly. Most respondents stated that they would change their practice based on the information discussed. It is clear from our survey that videoconferencing is useful in overcoming the barriers of distance and that small physician numbers create a positive environment for adult learning.