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Acceptability of Videoconference Technology for the Delivery of Continuing Education to Rural Pharmacists
Author(s) -
McNamara Kevin P
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of pharmacy practice and research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 22
eISSN - 2055-2335
pISSN - 1445-937X
DOI - 10.1002/j.2055-2335.2006.tb00604.x
Subject(s) - videoconferencing , medicine , pharmacy , teleconference , session (web analytics) , rural area , nursing , medical education , family medicine , multimedia , advertising , business , pathology , computer science
Aim To investigate whether a rural continuing education (CE) program delivered by videoconference can enhance access to, and uptake of, CE among pharmacists and determine their satisfaction with videoconference for the delivery of CE. Method A postal survey was sent to 33 registered pharmacists in south‐west Victoria and south‐east South Australia who had attended at least one videoconference CE session organised in that region. Results Respondents worked in different areas of pharmacy, and 40% worked in more than one area of pharmacy. The use of videoconference facilities has increased access to and participation in CE generally, and most participants (88%) have found it to be an acceptable medium for delivery. Increased access to high‐quality CE opportunities, and reduced travel time for CE were seen as the principal benefits of the medium. Negative aspects included technical glitches, organisational issues, and the time‐lag in voice transmission. Overall, most participants were happy to receive a substantial proportion of their contact CE using this medium. Conclusions Videoconference technology is a valuable tool for the delivery of carefully structured CE sessions in rural and remote areas with an appropriate information technology infrastructure.