P79 Making the Healthy Choice the Easy Choice: An Online Training for Nutrition Education and Public Health Professionals Engaged in Policy, Systems, and Environmental (PSE) Approaches

Abstract

Objective Implement and evaluate an asynchronous online course to build capacity of professionals developing, implementing, and evaluating effective PSE approaches in their communities. Use of Theory or Research Developed using the socio-ecological model and results of a national needs assessment of SNAP-Ed and EFNEP educators and administrators. Target Audience Nutrition education and public health professionals serving low-income communities. Program Description The online, self-paced, six-module course introduces PSE terminology and approaches. Readings, interactive content, and videos then help learners design a PSE effort in their own communities. A personalized interactive workbook and group discussion guide help learners engage with content. The course provides links to newly developed and widely used resources. Graduates are required to pass six module tests based on course objectives. Enrollees have one year to complete the course. Evaluation Methods Enrollees complete pre-course surveys to collect demographics. Graduates complete an anonymous post-course program evaluation survey. Results In the first six months, 341 learners enrolled and 130 graduated. Graduates reported that level of content was just right (85%), too advanced (12%), or too basic (3%), and that course content extended their knowledge of PSE approaches (88% agree/strongly agree) and related to their responsibilities (83% agree/strongly agree). Graduates believed instructional material was well organized (85% agree/strongly agree) and the materials including readings, videos, and case studies conveyed content well (73% agree/strongly agree). Graduates agreed or strongly agreed that content met course objectives, preparing them to identify community needs (88%); build partnerships (87%); and create (82%) and implement (83%) PSE action plans. Conclusions This online training on PSE approaches met the learning needs identified by SNAP-Ed and EFNEP professionals. Course graduates felt prepared to plan, implement, and evaluate PSEs in their own communities. Funding None.