Author: Brian S McGowan, PhD

Abstract
Background: Working in a hospital during an extraordinary infectious disease outbreak can cause significant stress and contribute to healthcare workers choosing to reduce patient contact. Psychological training of healthcare workers prior to an influenza pandemic may reduce stress-related absenteeism, however, established training methods that change behavior and attitudes are too resource-intensive for widespread use. This study tests the feasibility and effectiveness of a less expensive alternative – an interactive, computer-assisted training course designed to build resilience to the stresses of working during a pandemic.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2851711/pdf/1472-6963-10-72.pdf

Abstract
Background: The Internet provides a means of disseminating medical education curricula, allowing institutions to share educational resources. Much of what is published online is poorly planned, does not meet learners’ needs, or is out of date.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2868857/pdf/1472-6920-10-30.pdf

Abstract
Purpose—To investigate the association between physician participants’ levels of engagement in a Web-based educational intervention and their patients’ baseline diabetes measures.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3158730/pdf/nihms313983.pdf

Abstract
Background: Clinicians in developing countries have had limited access to continuing education (CE) outside major cities, and CE strategies have had limited impact on sustainable change in performance. New educational tools could improve CE accessibility and effectiveness.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3090386/pdf/pone.0019318.pdf

Abstract
Background: The Spanish Palliative Care Strategy recommends an intermediate level of training for primary care physicians in order to provide them with knowledge and skills. Most of the training involves face-to-face courses but increasing pressures on physicians have resulted in fewer opportunities for provision of and attendance to this type of training. The effectiveness of on-line continuing medical education in terms of its impact on clinical practice has been scarcely studied. Its effect in relation to palliative care for primary care physicians is currently unknown, in terms of improvement in patient’s quality of life and main caregiver’s satisfaction. There is uncertainty
too in terms of any potential benefits of asynchronous communication and interaction among on-line education participants, as well as of the effect of the learning process.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3123578/pdf/1471-2296-12-37.pdf