Comparison of Electronic and Workshop Teaching Methods on Midwives Knowledge about Pregnant Women Caring and Attitude Regarding to E-Learning in Kerman

Abstract

Introduction Obstetricians and health personnel are the first and foremost personnel with direct patient contact. E-learning can be considered an appropriate method for the in-service training of the health personnel. Therefore, the present study was conducted aiming at an investigation on the efficacy of the two training methods of workshop and e-learning training on the level of knowledge of the obstetricians as well as their attitudes towards e-Learning. Methods This was a semi empirical study in which 66 obstetricians, working at health centers. The participants were randomly divided into two groups of workshop (33 subjects) and e-Learning training (33 subjects). Using knowledge and attitude questionnaire, the knowledge and attitude of the subjects in the two groups were measured and data was analyzed through paired and independent T-test employing SPSS version 18. Results No difference was observed between the knowledge pre-test scores of the two groups; and the post-test scores of the two groups showed an identical and significant increase. Furthermore, the difference between scores of attitude towards e-learning, before and after training (34.24 ± 4.86 and 36.76 ± 6.36, respectively) was statistically significant (P = 0.04). Conclusions The results showed that both training methods increased the personnel knowledge level equally and that the attitudes of participants of the e-learning training group were more positive towards e-learning subsequent to the training. As a result, e-learning training method (especially in the form of training CDs) can be employed as a complement to workshop training and a modern method to be adopted for employee in-service training.