Table 7.
Participants’ ratings of influence of online learning characteristics on participation in online CME.
| Variable | Degree of influence on undertaking the online course |
|
|---|---|---|
| Participants when they were GP trainees (N = 20) Mean (SD) |
Participants at least 6 months after completion of GP training (N = 63) Mean (SD) |
|
| Quality of information available online | 2.95 (0.22) | 2.89 (0.32) |
| Ease of access via the internet | 2.95 (0.22) | 2.81 (0.47) |
| Ease of use | 2.95 (0.22) | 2.78 (0.46) |
| Convenience of completing the course at any time or location | 2.95 (0.22) | 2.81 (0.47) |
| Flexibility to complete small section at a time | 2.95 (0.22) | 2.83 (0.38) |
| Immediate access to correct answers when completing quizzes | 2.90 (0.31) | 2.63 (0.58) |
| Ease of obtaining CME credit | 2.85 (0.37) | 2.68 (0.53) |
| Access to other useful links | 2.80 (0.52) | 2.89 (0.36) |
| Access to technical support if difficulties are encountered | 2.80 (0.41) | 2.71 (0.49) |
| Use of case-based discussion | 2.55 (0.51) | 2.71 (0.49) |
| Facilitator’s regular input/participation | 2.55 (0.51) | 2.56 (0.50) |
| Opportunity to communicate/interact with instructors or peers | 2.35 (0.75) | 2.32 (0.64) |
Note: Mean was calculated from a three-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (no influence), 2 (some influence) to 3 (major influence).