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Canadian Physical Therapists' Interest in Web-Based and Computer-Assisted Continuing Education

S Mathur, PT, MSc, is Sessional Instructor, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of British Columbia, T325-2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 2B5 (smathur{at}interchange.ubc.ca)
S Stanton, OT, BSR(OT), MA, AGDDE(T), is Associate Professor and Coordinator, Online Programs, Division of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of British Columbia
WD Reid, PT, PhD, BMR (PT), is Associate Professor, Division of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia
Dr Reid provided concept/idea/research design, data collection, project management, fund procurement, subjects, facilities/equipment, and institutional liaisons. All authors provided writing and data analysis. Ms Stanton and Dr Reid provided consultation (including review of manuscript before submission). The authors acknowledge Alison Ritchie for data collection and Jonathan Money for data analysis. They also acknowledge Mr Money and Jean Shoveller for consultation

Address all correspondence to Ms Mathur

Background and Purpose. Distance education via computer-assisted learning (CAL), including Web-based and CD-ROM learning, confers a number of advantages compared with traditional learning methods. The purposes of this study were (1) to determine the interest of Canadian physical therapists in participating in continuing education using CAL methods and (2) to determine whether interest in CAL was related to type of employment, area of practice, education, computer skill and access, and other demographic variables. Subjects and Methods. A random sample of Canadian physical therapists and all members of cardiopulmonary interest groups were surveyed. Results. Of 1,426 survey questionnaires mailed, 69 were returned (58 were unopened and 11 were duplicates). From the remaining 1,357 potential survey responses, 757 responses were received, for an overall response rate of 56%. Seventy-eight percent of the respondents indicated their interest in participating in CAL. Factors associated with interest in CAL included 2 or more hours of Internet access per week, Internet access at both home and work, computer skill, education level, practice area, and belonging to a cardiopulmonary interest group. Discussion and Conclusion. The findings indicate a large positive interest in CAL. Increasing CAL continuing education opportunities could increase options for physical therapists to meet professional expectations for continuing competency.

Key Words: Computer-assisted education • Continuing education • Distance learning • Internet