BACKGROUND: In rural and frontier states, where geography and weather are barriers to large group training opportunities, alternative methods for conducting such trainings must be sought. PURPOSE: This presentation will speak to the importance of using distance education technology in the implementation of a state-wide Public Health (PH) Core Functions and Essential Services workshop. METHODS: Video teleconferencing technology was used to conduct a state-wide Public Health Core Functions and Essential Services workshop in a frontier, geographically dispersed state. Keynote presenters presented from Washington state with additional participants joining from a neighboring state. Pre- and post-training evaluations were conducted in order to measure knowledge and understanding change. The one day workshop consisted of a morning interactive teleconference on PH Core Functions and Essential Services, followed by local problem solving exercises based on the morning presentation, and culminating in a state-wide interactive wrap of the problem solving activity. RESULTS: 103 people participated from 10 different sites. Participants demonstrated increases in knowledge and understanding of all PH Essential Services. Additionally, participants reported better understanding of the abilities and roles of other public health sub-disciplines and future intention to involve these groups in future real-life public health situations. Participants voiced appreciation of the diversity brought in by outside speakers from the School of Public Health at the University of Washington as well as the opportunity to interact with colleagues from around the state and region. CONCLUSIONS: Video teleconference technology proved a useful tool in reaching a large number of participants in a state with a large geographic area. The workshop curriculum proved successful in increasing short term knowledge and understanding of PH Essential services and in facilitating communication among participants from different PH sub-disciplines. Volunteer service from public health professionals acting as site facilitators was essential to the successful completion of this workshop.
Should this poster be accepted, we are requesting a NON-SATURDAY presentation date. Any other convention day is fine.