Evaluating the impact of a national virtual continuing professional development program in gynecological oncology: a Kirkpatrick model approach

Abstract

Introduction

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is essential for healthcare professionals to maintain and enhance their competencies, particularly in specialized fields such as gynecological oncology. In low- and lower-middle-income countries (LLMICs), access to CPD is often limited, and virtual platforms have emerged as a viable solution to overcome these barriers. This study uses the Kirkpatrick Model to evaluate a national virtual CPD program in gynecological oncology, focusing on participant satisfaction and knowledge acquisition.

Methods

A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 104 gynecological oncology specialists and fellows in Iran. The virtual CPD program was delivered via a Moodle-based Learning Management System (LMS) and included multimedia content, interactive modules, discussion forums, and live webinars. Data were collected through pre- and post-course assessments to measure knowledge gains and a post-course satisfaction survey to evaluate participant reactions. Descriptive statistics and paired t-tests were used to analyze the data, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results

The Level 1 evaluation revealed high participant satisfaction, with 64.42% reporting that the course content aligned with its objectives, 75% expressing satisfaction with the program’s delivery, and 82.69% finding the course facilities highly satisfactory. The Level 2 evaluation demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in knowledge scores from pretest (mean = 37.21, SD = 12.71) to posttest (mean = 42.07, SD = 6.09), with a mean score increase of 4.86 (p < 0.001). The effect size (Cohen’s d = -0.416) indicated a small to moderate practical significance.

Conclusion

The virtual CPD program effectively engaged participants and enhanced their knowledge, highlighting the potential of online learning platforms to deliver high-quality CPD in resource-constrained settings. Future research should explore the long-term impact of virtual CPD on clinical practice and patient outcomes.