Training Format Research Articles

Blended learning in professional training of teachers

Relevance. The issue of blended learning in professional training of teachers is extremely relevant. This increased interest is due to the spread of the acute infectious disease COVID-19, as all public spheres of activity of citizens have been transferred to a blended format. Purpose. The aim of the work is to analyze the main features of the blended format of training, as well as to establish the necessary level of knowledge and training of teachers for its effective implementation. Methodology. The article used a number of scientific and methodological tools that helped to reveal important elements of the studied question. Accordingly, an important place in the work is occupied by functional and system approaches, in addition, such logical methods as the method of analysis and synthesis, comparison, generalization, deduction. Results. The main results of the study are the theoretical and practical bases of the question under consideration. In the theoretical part the basic concepts, their properties and attributes, undoubtedly related to the sphere of professional competence of the teacher were revealed. On the practical side, it compares the main approaches used so far to train future teachers in the delivery of learning services, namely in a blended format. In addition, the article considered the experience of other countries, which helped to study in depth the features of the studied issue and to establish promising directions that can be applied in Kazakhstan. Conclusions. In future scientific works on this topic it is necessary to analyze the main differences between distance and blended learning in order to distinguish the directions of teacher training. Keywords: teaching and learning process; teacher; advanced training; competence; distance learning

Evaluation of an online SBIRT training program

ABSTRACT Background: While human ecosystem disruptions have happened in the past, the COVID-19 pandemic is the first situation to warrant such a large, world-wide transition to online education. The pandemic has increased the need for intervention with people in varying stages of substance use disorders. Objectives: In response to the need for more evidence-based, online educational and training options to address this need, this study used pre-posttest evaluations to determine the efficacy of an online training for a specific evidence-based intervention, Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Services (SBIRT). Methods: Social Work students from two universities completed a 4-hour, online training in SBIRT which included a pre/posttest, demographic variables, a satisfaction scale, and a measure of self-efficacy. Mixed Effects Linear regression was used to model the repeated measures of SBIRT knowledge and efficacy, while a linear regression model was used to measure the relationship between satisfaction and participant characteristics. Results: Participants were mostly female (85.9%), mostly White/Caucasian (72.9%), and most already had a bachelor’s degree (50%) or higher (9.6%). Individuals who were White, non-Hispanic/Latinx, or had master’s level or doctoral level mental health training were more likely to have higher SBIRT scores. Those with the highest levels of self-efficacy had the lowest change scores on the knowledge test. Overall, there was an almost threefold increase in SBIRT knowledge posttraining, indicating the viability of this training format, which is similar to findings from studies of in-person trainings of SBIRT which also found increases in SBIRT knowledge. Conclusion: Recommendations based on the results are provided to encourage improved student outcomes from this type of e-learning.

Experiential training course on spirituality for multidisciplinary palliative care teams in a hospital setting: a feasibility study

BackgroundThere is widespread agreement about the importance of spiritual training programs (STPs) for healthcare professionals caring for cancer patients, and that reflecting on one’s spirituality is the first step. Health professionals (HPs) working in hospitals must develop this dimension to guarantee the quality of life as well as spiritual and emotional support. In this paper, we propose a possible training format for hospital professionals and assess its implementation.MethodsThis is a phase 0-I study that follows the Medical Research Council (MRC) framework. The program was implemented for hospital palliative care specialists. The program included one theory lesson, three spiritual interactions, four pieces of reflective writing, and two individual follow-up sessions for each participant. The evaluation was performed quantitatively according to the MRC framework and qualitatively according to Moore’s framework with data triangulation from interviews, reflective writings, and indicators.ResultsThe program was implemented for palliative care physicians, nurses, psychologists, and bioethicists according to the plan, and the program components were highly appreciated by the participants. The results suggest the feasibility of a training course with some corrections, regarding both the components of the training and organizational issues. The qualitative analysis confirmed a shift in the meaning of the themes we identified. The trainees went from intrapersonal spirituality to interpersonal spirituality (engagement with the other person’s spirituality, acknowledging their unique spiritual and cultural worldviews, beliefs, and practices), with colleagues, patients, and people close to them. The training had an impact on Moore’s Level 3b.ConclusionsSpiritual training for hospital professionals working in palliative care is feasible. Having time dedicated to spirituality and the ongoing mentorship of spiritual care professionals were suggested as key elements. The next step is increasing awareness of spirituality from our hospital reality and creating a stable competent group (with nurses, chaplains, nuns, counselors, etc.) with the support of the management.

Development of a Nurse-Led Drug Avoidance and Therapeutic Adherence Training Module for Inpatients Diagnosed with Substance Use Disorders

Psychiatric nurses can effectively maintain sobriety among patients diagnosed with substance use disorders andimprove their quality of life through education and training. However, structured formats for training are grosslylacking in the Indian literature. This paper describes the development of a Drug Avoidance and TherapeuticAdherence (DATA) training module that can be effectively implemented by nurses. The DATA Training modulewas designed and content validated in five stages; 1) an extensive literature search; 2) Focused Group Discussions(FGDs) with psychiatric nurses practicing in the de-addiction units of the selected mental health establishments; 3)development of the preliminary draft; 4) Content validation; and 5) Final draft of the DATA Training module. TheFGDs concluded the content and layout of the module and the content validity measured based on the experts’suggestions were good (mean CVI=0.85). The DATA training module provides structured guidelines for nurses indelivering effective strategies to maintain sobriety and improve quality of life.

Intellectual analysis of foreign students’

To optimize the learning process and improve the quality of professional training of foreign students, the study considers the process of forming the readiness of foreign students to study at a Russian university. The formation of readiness was analyzed within the framework of the pedagogical system of the preparatory faculty, which foreign students study. The study of the main components of the pedagogical system was carried out using Orange Data Mining, an intellectual analysis tool applied to the results of a survey of foreign students. For the majority of respondents, the main goal of studying at the preparatory faculty is the study of Russian language and education in Russia. After receiving their education, most students plan to work at home, and some want to work in Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, the USA, Iraq, Germany, and Australia. The teaching process is characterized by the following features: a decrease in the level of basic training of foreign students, the difficult development of the Russian language, absenteeism and failure to complete homework. In the process of studying, foreign students had psychological and personal problems, problems associated with living in a hostel, met with methodological and organizational difficulties. 19% of respondents did not mention any difficulties. Despite the existing difficulties, 93% of students are satisfied with the format of training and the content of disciplines; 96% of students are satisfied with communication with teachers and the quality of teaching. The readiness of foreigners to learn a specialty in Russian is expressed in the knowledge of the Russian language, in the formation of motivation, activity and methods of activity and communication, which constitute the means of learning in the new educational and pedagogical environment. The formation of readiness is determined by psychological, social, pedagogical and temporal factors. The success of the readiness formation process depends on how active the students are and how the pedagogical system helps to overcome difficulties. An analysis of the respondents’ opinions made it possible to build a model of the pedagogical system, which identifies the factors that influence the formation of the readiness of foreign citizens to study a specialty at a Russian university.

Competence “Engineering design” – a platform for developing the skills of designing an object of capital construction

The construction industry is undergoing a change in approaches to the design of capital construction projects due to the preparation of consolidated digital models in the course of designing and working with the information placed therein. This requires updating the content and changing the format of training students in the fields of study and specialties related to the design of capital construction projects and their engineering systems. Based on the comparison of the current format of training engineering students to the format of professional activities of engineers involved in the design of capital construction projects, it is shown that today’s training system does not fully take into account the specifics of team work of engineers of various profiles in the course of project development. The necessity of using methods of cross-discipline team training is substantiated. It is proposed to use the best practices in competence R94 “Engineering Design” of the WorldSkills Russia “Young Professionals” national championship as a methodological basis for organizing such training format.

Applying lessons learnt during Covid 19 era: hybrid ACLS training in low resource setting

Excellence in Advanced cardiac life support and other life support metrics are key items used in measuring the competency of essential personnel. These Life support certifications enable staff to be competent and efficient in providing critical lifesaving interventions to needy patients in a safe and structured manner. While these certifications can be offered by multiple providers, most institutions stick to certain providers due to their international accreditations. While available, their prohibitive cost discourages hospital wide training programs, budgets, and schedule. Internal capacity building has been a key solution to this ever-growing problem. First, recognizing that life support training is an essential part of all critical healthcare providers core competency, and that the competency must be maintained, through frequent training is the first hurdle. Second was developing a training curriculum based on the core skills required to provide life support at the facility, and finally a way of adequately assessing the competency as per the required level for certification. Utilizing a hybrid format of training encompassing participants undergoing an online training module as well as coming for a physical simulation case-based examination. Participants were allowed to take exams multiple times with different case scenarios to achieve a pass mark of 75%. 97 practical examinations for 76 participants were done for both Nurses and doctors over a 3-month period with a first-time success rate of 72%. Following the completion of the training, participants were more comfortable performing life support procedures. With an 80% cost reduction per participant, more staff participation, teamwork, and timely responses to patient resuscitation emergencies, quality in-house, hybrid life support training and certification can be done.

Workforce training needs to address social and emotional wellbeing in home-based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aged care.

Objective To explore the training needs of the home care workforce in supporting the social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples receiving aged care services through the Home Care Package (HCP) Program. Methods A mixed-methods design including (1) a focus group and interview with coordinators of HCP Program services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across metropolitan and rural South Australia in April and June 2022, and (2) a desktop review of training, professional development opportunities and resources for existing and pre-entry workforce addressing the SEWB of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in aged care across the Vocational Education Training and higher education sectors in South Australia, the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet, the Department of Health and Aged Care website and aged care email alerts between December 2021 and September 2022. Results Five themes representing workforce training needs were identified: cultural safety, trauma-informed care, case management, compliance with funding rules and preferred formats for training. The desktop review identified a paucity of formal training, professional development and resources within the context of addressing the SEWB of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in aged care. Conclusions These findings suggest that ongoing practice-based professional development learning opportunities are needed within organisations to enhance peer-learning and support. These need to be available together with dedicated formal training programs and practical resources on meeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' SEWB in aged care.

A methodological approach to evaluate flexible freight train technologies

In a market economy, it is important to transport goods in a resource-efficient manner. The following article examines the reasons why freight trains travel excessive distances when loaded. As a result of these studies, the impact of freight trains on route capacity was determined. The time and cost savings resulting from the comparison of several types of freight train formations are highlighted. In this article, as a result of train processing at Pap station, 15 cars per day were prevented from being empty. In one month, this figure was 462 wagons. As a result of the train processing at the Pap station, the use of the working fleet of wagons necessary to meet the demand was increased by 9%.

Transformation of mechanisms of the university first-year students’ social adaptation: mathematical analysis tools

The article describes modern approaches to the transformation of the mechanisms of the first-year students’ social adaptation to study at the university, taking into account the requests of students. The theoretical prerequisites of the research are formulated on the basis of the analysis of modern publications of the knowledge-intensive Scopus database of Russian and foreign scientific articles. The theoretical model of transformation of adaptation mechanisms has become the basis of empirical research. The analysis of the process of social adaptation to the training of the modern generation of first-year students was carried out by the survey method using the electronic educational environment of the University of the North Caucasus (Stavropol Krai, Russia). A total of 1,278 people took part in the survey. The results of the study allow us to identify key areas for improving the educational process at the university: the development of alignment programs within the educational program of the level of knowledge in the most significant subject areas (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Social Studies, etc.), entering into the educational rhythm of the university training format, a deeper understanding of the nature of professional activity and the organization of professional socialization. The obtained theoretical conclusions and empirical research data provide an understanding of the transformation of the mechanisms of social adaptation to university education.

On the Question of the Demand for Professional Postgraduate Studies in Russia: Analysis of Data on the Thesis Defenses in Technical Sciences

Modern Russian postgraduate school is institutionally oriented towards the reproduction of the personnel potential for science and higher education. Since the career trajectories of a significant part of PhD graduates go beyond the academic labor market, the scientific and pedagogical community is discussing the prospects for the development of the so-called professional postgraduate studies in Russia, which should provide targeted training of highly qualified personnel for knowledge-intensive sectors of the economy and the sphere of intellectual services. The discourse on professional postgraduate studies is focused on the possibility of adapting the effective practices of foreign universities, and, unfortunately, is currently not supported by quantitative data on the demand for such a format of postgraduate training in Russia. The purpose of this study is an empirical analysis of the demand for professional postgraduate studies in the field of technical sciences. Using data on PhD graduates who successfully defended dissertations in technical sciences in 2019 as an example, for the first time a quantitative assessment was made of the prevalence of practice-oriented dissertations, the authors of which are employees of organizations in the knowledge-intensive sectors of the economy. The empirical basis of the study was the publicly available data on the defense of dissertations for the degree of candidate of technical sciences in Russia in 2019 (N=1663). For a detailed analysis, dissertation materials were selected, which contained information about postgraduate studies and the place of employment of dissertators (N=715). As a result of the study, parameters were determined that characterize the degree of prevalence in Russia of practice-oriented dissertations on various disciplinary groups of technical sciences, including: the proportion of PhD graduates employed outside the academic sphere; the proportion of dissertations thematically related to the professional activities of their authors; prevalence of preparation of dissertations on the basis of enterprises of the real sector of the economy; differences in socio-demographic characteristics and publication activity of PhD graduates working on dissertations at universities and in science-intensive business organizations. On the basis of the analysis, a conclusion is made about the expediency of developing professional postgraduate programs in the field of engineering and technology aimed at staffing the innovation sphere, as well as legitimizing the special requirements for these programs and practice-oriented dissertations prepared during their implementation.

Do stigma and efficacy mediate the association between training and suicide prevention behavior among Army noncommissioned officers?

Rates of suicide in the Active Component of the military have significantly increased since 2010, with particularly high rates among Army service members. One element of the Army's approach to suicide prevention relies on noncommissioned officers (NCOs) as gatekeepers who have regular contact with soldiers. NCOs receive suicide prevention training, but there is limited evidence that such training leads to behavior change. We surveyed 2468 Army NCOs participating in leadership development courses to determine (a) if training on suicide prevention and soft skills (e.g., active listening) was associated with gatekeeper behavior and use of soft skills; and (b) whether that association was explained by two potential barriers, stigma and perceptions of efficacy. Both the number of suicide prevention training topics and soft skills trained were associated with increased gatekeeper behavior; these relationships were explained in part by lower stigma and higher efficacy for use of soft skills. The use of interactive training methods and receiving coaching after training were not associated with stigma or efficacy, though both methods were associated with more frequent use of soft skills. Results suggest that the content and format of training is important to preparing NCOs to fulfill a gatekeeper role.

New Formats of Training Intending Teachers for Interaction with Parents of Schoolchildren and Preschoolers

The article presents the experience of solving an urgent problem of pedagogical edu- cation which is connected with preparing intending teachers for interaction with students’ parents. The study shows inconsistency of the tradition when the content of pedagogical disciplines stud- ied by students is aimed at the development of their ability to interact exclusively with children, despite the fact that students’ parents act now as full subjects of the educational process. The purpose of the article is to attract the attention of lecturers engaged in professional teach- er-training programs to the issue of preparing teachers for interaction with parents. The methodological approaches used in the study include the emotional and value-based one, the dialogical, reflexive and the situational approaches, on which the author builds the original strategy of preparing students majoring in pedagogy for the interaction with parents. The results of the research comprise the technology of the strategy implementation. The essence of the technology is that students are consistently invited to carry out pedagogical observation of the parents’ behavior in natural or specially created conditions, including watching feature films and documentaries; then it is proposed to create a collection of situations and corresponding pedagogical reactions; after which the students are organized to resolve typical situations in the form of a game; during their pedagogical practice the students are admitted to fragmentary informative interaction with parents, and subsequently, to situational constructive interaction with them. In conclusion, it is determined by which methods and forms of work with students such a strategy will be effective.

Medical extended reality in digital emergency medicine : From education to clinical application

Emergency medicine faces the challenge of providing optimal care with limited resources. Especially in rare but critical situations (high-acuity low occurrence [HALO] situations), sound expertise is essential. Previous training approaches are time-limited and resource-intensive. Medical extended reality (MXR) offers promising solutions. This article gives insight into the different areas of MXR and shows the application of MXR in emergency medicine using the HALO-MXR concept as an example. MXR encompasses augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR). AR overlays digital information on the real world, enhancing perception and enabling interactive elements. VR creates an artificial three-dimensional (3D) environment in which the user is immersed. MR combines real and virtual elements. MXR offers advantages such as location-independent learning, virtual mentoring and scalability. However, it cannot replace existing training formats, but should be embedded in an overall concept. The HALO-MXR concept at Inselspital Bern includes e‑learning, simulation-based training in VR and on-site, and HALO-Assist support through augmented reality. HALO-Assist provides around-the-clock AR support for HALO procedures via audio and video communication as well as overlayed annotations, objects and flowcharts. The integration of MXR into emergency medicine promises more efficient use of resources and enhanced training opportunities. The HALO-MXR concept demonstrates how MXR effectively combines simulation-based training in VR and AR assist to enhance the application of HALO procedures.

IMPROVEMENT OF THE PROCESS OF CARGO TRANSPORTATION BY ROUTES IN THE DIRECTION TO THE WESTERN BORDERS OF UKRAINE

The paper examines the process of movement of carloads with export goods in the modern conditions of railway transport of Ukraine. In the conditions of a full-scale war, after blocking the ports, the export transportation of goods takes place largely through the western border crossings. The volumes of cargo transportation passing through the western border stations, which have been increasing recently, were studied. Bulk cargo, such as grain, iron ore, ferrous metals, and others, is a significant part of cargo transported in the direction of the western borders to the EU countries or in transit through their territory. The transportation of such cargoes is usually organized as part of route trains, since the large volume of the load allows full trains to be accumulated. The technology of planning the transportation of goods by routes is proposed, which makes it possible to rationally manage the transportation process, provided that trains are dispatched according to a fixed schedule that is consistent with the schedule of the foreign carrier. A model of stochastic programming with optimization of operational costs arising in the process of formation and routing of a route train in the direction of the western borders has been developed. The developed model takes into account the probabilistic nature of the formation time of the route train at the loading station, which is subject to the normal distribution law. To ensure the practical implementation of the model, the technological and regulatory conditions reflected in the system of restrictions are taken into account. The use of the proposed technology will make it possible to avoid the processing of wagons in the process of transportation, increase the productivity of rolling stock by reducing the turnover of wagons, optimize the technology of planning the transportation process, and also increase the predictability of cargo shipments for shippers. In addition, the technology takes into account multiple cases of route delays on a fixed schedule. Determining the amount of train delay is solved using the theory of fuzzy sets. Taking into account the received data on the places of delays and their causes, it is necessary to lay time reserves on the route of freight trains moving according to a fixed schedule.

PROBLEMS OF STUDYING CHOREOGRAPHIC DISCIPLINES IN THE CONDITIONS OF DISTANCE EDUCATION

The article analyzes the process of distance learning of graduates of the Department of Choreography of Kharkiv National Pedagogical University named after H.S. Frying pans Factors affecting the formation of professional abilities of students with traditional and distance forms of education are considered. Introduction of distant education in Ukraine has been stipulated by objective demands of modern Society. Cause-and-effect relationships between teaching methods and the formation of pedagogical competences of choreographers-apprentices have been established. On the basis of the studied facts, conclusions were drawn and recommendations were made regarding the improvement of the quality of the educational process of students of choreographic specialties during distance learning. Having considered the positive and negative aspects of distance education of students of the Department of Choreography of the Kharkіv National University, it should be noted that this form of education is effective, but only in a mixed format together with traditional education, along with the acquisition of professional practical knowledge, skills and abilities. There must be specially equipped rooms, but, unfortunately, most of the students do not have any. Moreover, there is a lack of motivation, self-discipline, and a lack of system as for gained knowledge. It is proved that the effectiveness of the distance format of professional training of future teachers of choreography during martial law depends on the level of studentsʼ motivation for learning and their self-organization. Self-organization ensures the studentʼs ability to plan and carry out their own learning activities in accordance with the priorities of professional training. It is motivation that is the driving force behind the studentʼs acquisition of the necessary professional knowledge and professional skills.
 It should be noted that this work does not cover all the issues related to the study of choreographic disciplines in the conditions of distance learning. This study requires further study and determination of the impact of distance education on the formation of competencies of students of choreographic specialties.

Mental Health Simulation Training for Pharmacy workforce in Secondary Care

Abstract Introduction Simulation involves life-like scenarios followed by reflection within a facilitated debrief and is widely used in healthcare education. The NHS Long Term plan1 and HEE2 reports highlight the need for the pharmacy workforce in different sectors to be confident and competent in providing care for people with mental health illnesses. Similarly, local integrated care services (ICSs) are prioritising parity of esteem and bridging gaps between services through an improved workforce. Aim To increase the pharmacy workforce’s confidence in supporting and caring for patients with mental health illnesses, reduce stigma, and empower staff to provide a safe, effective, and equitable service. Specific objectives were to: become familiar with substance misuse & learning disabilities; improve effective communication (verbal and non-verbal); and build confidence in formulating treatment plans, talking to patients in distress and taking appropriate histories within a mental health context. Methods Participants included medicines management pharmacy technicians (MMPTs) and pharmacists who volunteered from the acute and mental health Trusts within ICS. The training format included pre-reading clinical material, simulation scenarios co-produced with service users, multi-disciplinary team teaching, and debriefs. Ethical approval not required for the evaluation of the training. We collected quantitative and fee-text data via pre- and post-simulation questionnaires (two validated scales and course specific questionnaire). The data were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis and thematic grouping of free-text data with frequency counting. Results The whole group (n=29) showed an increase in empathy and improvement in attitudes towards people with mental health illness from pre to post simulation training. The 15 measures (course specific questionnaire) and the qualitative feedback indicated that the learning objectives were met. 100% of participants either strongly agreed/agreed that the simulation training helped improve their communication skills and found the debrief and service user participation valuable. The qualitative data supported these findings: “…gained confidence in speaking to patients with different forms of mental health conditions and patients who are in distress.” Discussion/Conclusion This project was a pioneer to assess the use of mental health simulation training within secondary care between two different practice settings. Whilst a small-scale study only, the findings showed improved communication and confidence within a mental health context, particularly in talking to patients in distress. The simulation training was well received by participants and supports the use of simulation in our aim of increasing pharmacy workforce confidence in caring for those with mental illness and reducing stigma. In addition to improving clinical knowledge and skills, simulation training can also help improve pharmacy staff perceptions, attitudes, and address stigma and hence contribute towards a high quality patient care service. This project indicates the potential value of training the pharmacy workforce on a wider scale, regardless of sector, in collaboration with MDT and service users.

Nurses’ perceptions of videoconferencing telenursing: comparing frontal learning vs. online learning before and after the COVID-19 pandemic

This study examined nurses' willingness to use telenursing through videoconferencing, comparing frontal vs. online training in post-basic nursing courses, using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Findings revealed nurses' favorable attitudes regardless of training format. Willingness was significantly influenced by perceived ease of use and subjective norms. To enhance telenursing adoption, managerial encouragement, adequate training, and resource provisions are imperative for nurses to use this technology for remote patient care.

“If we’re lucky, we recognise potential.” A study of admission criteria and entrance screening practices in public service interpreter training

ABSTRACT The growing demand for language mediation across different domains of public service interpreting (PSI) poses a challenge for policymakers, stakeholders (institutional representatives, clients), and traditional interpreter education institutions. Alongside university-based interpreter education, different training formats have emerged internationally to meet the increased need for training. Based on a systematic review of extra-university training formats in Austria, this contribution presents the results of a qualitative follow-up study drawing upon data from semi-structured interviews with providers. The aim was to investigate whether entrance assessment procedures are employed by course providers when selecting course participants, and, if so, which they are and what motives lie behind providers’ decisions for particular admission procedures. Our study shows that while there is considerable commitment to offering customer-tailored courses to heterogeneous groups of trainees, the training formats differ and there seems to be little communication among providers regarding the establishment and adequacy of different formats for student selection.

Comparison of Virtual and In-Person Tobacco Treatment Specialist Training

Purpose: There is limited research comparing virtual and in-person tobacco treatment specialist training. As a result of COVID-19, the Duke-UNC Tobacco Treatment Specialist Training Program (Duke-UNC TTS) transitioned from an in-person to a virtual format, allowing for a comparison of these two training formats.
 Materials and Methods: We conducted an observational study comparing Duke-UNC TTS attendance and evaluations at three courses provided in-person in 2019 with the same three courses provided virtually in 2020. 
 Results: The transition from in-person to virtual format was associated with more than a doubling of course attendance (in-person format enrolled 112 participants; virtual format enrolled 232 participants; p < 0.05). The virtual format was also associated with more than two times the proportion of out-of-state participant attendance (in-person format enrolled 22.3% out-of-state attendees; virtual format enrolled 52.8% out-of-state attendees; p < 0.05). Course evaluations showed similar quality scores for measuring perceived knowledge acquisition and course satisfaction.
 Conclusions: This observational study showed that the virtual TTS training format had higher attendance and wider geographical reach, without a significant loss in quality, than the in-person training format. The study suggests that TTS training programs should consider continued delivery of training through interactive virtual formats to increase accessibility for participants.