The Effectiveness of an Online Training to Disseminate an Evidence-Based Intervention to Address Pediatric Secondhand Smoke Exposure

Abstract

This article was migrated. The article was not marked as recommended. Background: There is a significant lag between research on evidence-based practices (EBP) and adoption into clinical practice. A critical step is to train clinics on EBPs. There is limited research on the efficacy of online trainings on EBP implementation in clinic settings. Methods: A cluster randomized control trial of 13 pediatric practices compared the acceptability and impact of an online versus in-person EBP training to reduce secondhand smoke exposure (SHSE) in children. A retrospective pre-post design was used to assess practice performance on specific metrics of the SHSE intervention. Results: 13 clinics were randomized to receive the online (n=5) or in-person training (n=8). Both groups reported high knowledge and self-efficacy after the trainings, though these were significantly higher for the in-person training group. Both groups showed significant pre-post improvements in implementing key components of the intervention. When analyzed by training group, there were significant improvements in some but not all of the metrics. Conclusion: Despite preferences for the in-person training, the online module is acceptable to providers, and improves self-efficacy and implementation of some aspects of a SHSE intervention. Given the challenges and high costs of in-person trainings, carefully designed online modules represent a promising approach to disseminate EBPs.