STROKE webinars an effective mechanism for clinician education S Denisenko1 P Kelly1 P Groot1,2 M Kilkenny3 D Cadilhac3,4 P Hand1 1. Department of Health and Human Services Victoria, Melbourne, VIC, Australia 2. South West Healthcare, Warrnambool, VIC, Australia 3. Department of Medicine School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health , Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia 4. The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Background: VSCN STROKE webinars The Victorian Stroke Clinical Network (VSCN) established the STroke Regional Outreach & Knowledge Exchange (STROKE webinars) in 2012. STROKE is a free series of online educational interactive seminars for stroke clinicians on a diverse range of topics. Commenced via teleconference & transferred to webinar format at the beginning of 2014. By Nov 2015, 37 sessions delivered with over 4,622 live clinician attendances. This has particular value to regional staff who are less likely to travel to conferences and other metropolitan based activities.

Background: VSCN STROKE webinars The short to medium term goals are to increase knowledge of evidence based care leading to a workforce that is more confident and competent. The long term aim is to improve outcomes for stroke patients. The mean participation rate per session has increased from 81 in 2012 to 147 over 2015. 2013 Neuroscience series: Session 1:349 session 2:328 session 3:174 session 4:239 2015 Visual field loss: 273 Independent activity: 276

Aim To evaluate the STROKE webinars as a learning platform for delivery of stroke education. Recommendation 26 The capacity of the system should be increased in accordance with the role delineation of stroke services, to provide safe and high quality stroke care, enhance workforce capability and provide for future demand. This should be done by: Better use of existing workforce recruitment and retention strategies Developing stroke-specific education programs targeted at both specialist and general stroke care workforce Encouraging and supporting staff providing stroke care to undertake appropriate education, training and research

Methods A survey monkey questionnaire consisting of 24 questions was developed by the Victorian Stroke Clinical Network (VSCN) in consultation with staff from the Department of Medicine School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University designed to : Capture demographic data of users Assess webinar accessibility and useability Identify learning needs and relevance of webinar topics Summarise outcomes and benefits gained from participating in webinars

Methods The survey link was emailed in November 2015 to clinicians on the VSCN email lists. The survey was open for 20 days Reminders sent at day 7 and via the VSCN newsletter on day 17.

Results The survey was circulated to 2178 unique email addresses Two-hundred and forty-four responses were received (11%) Survey demographic data was correlated with data obtained from STROKE webinar registrations Most (94%) respondents found the webinars useful

Results: Professional Profile 76% of users work in allied health 43% are Occupational therapists and 37% Physiotherapists

Results: Professional Profile 55% have worked with stroke patients for > 5 years < 1 year 1 - 2 years 3 - 5 years > 5 years Acute Subacute- IP Subacute – Ambulatory Community 42% work in acute care

Results: Demographics 54% are from regional Victoria 49% are between 25-34 years old.

Results: learning relevance 89% of respondents either strongly agreed (46%) or agreed (43%) that the webinars were useful The case study approach was considered an effective way to receive information by 89% of respondents The ability to ask questions and receive answers through the webinars was acknowledged by 72% of respondents

Results: learning outcomes Participants reported that as a result of attending the webinars: They recognized gaps in their stroke knowledge (76%) Their knowledge of stroke improved (61%) and They felt more confident/capable to meet their patients’ needs (62%) Overall the survey demonstrates that the webinars and its topics are meeting the learning needs of users

Results: learning format 11 webinars per year was considered sufficient by a majority of the respondents (63%) 62% disagreed that the content was too specific 55% disagreed that the content was not tailored enough to their disciplines needs 79% of respondents found Assessment (stroke) the most useful theme for their practice

Results: Content The data illustrates that the current topics and format of webinars are providing relevant learning opportunities for health professionals, in a format they find accessible.

Results: Utility 44% “yes” that they find the Redback Conference system easy to use and 37% “usually” find it easy to use

Results: Access 82% of respondents found that their attendance was affected by clinical/work commitments at the time of the session Only 28% of respondents felt strongly supported by their managers to attend webinars Only 13% felt strongly supported to attend continuing education events (conferences, courses, workshops) outside of their organisation

Results: Outcomes and benefits 42% indicated that the number one benefit of the STROKE webinars was increased knowledge of stroke care 61% agreed that attending webinars made them more confident / capable to meet patients’ needs 92% agreed (including 59% strongly agreeing) that attending the webinars was worthwhile in terms of time and effort saved compared to “in person” learning opportunities

Conclusions Webinars can make an important contribution to ongoing professional practice and to learning across geographical boundaries Allied health professions accept webinars as a convenient learning platform Greater support from managers to attend this free, accessible education should be sought

The Final word (cloud) from our participants…

Acknowledgements Patrick Groot – VSCN Regional Coordinator Paulette Kelly– Program Manager Timmah Ball – project officer Our Presenters over 44 sessions Clinical Participants: 5,205 at July