20 December 2005- Publication of DWP Research Report 304: Evaluation of Online Learning Module about Sickness Certification for General Practitioners
A research report published today by the Department for Work and Pensions provides findings from an evaluation of the GP online learning module, Sickness Certification Made Easy. Based on qualitative research with doctors who used the module, the evaluation assesses the reception and effectiveness of the content of the module and the online teaching style, and makes recommendations for improvements that could be made.
Key Findings
- Overall, the GPs who used the module were positive about it. The content of the module was seen as highly relevant, and users were reassured by the fact that it was hosted by the Department. The module was felt to have met users’ learning needs and was seen as particularly relevant for new registrars in General Practice.
- There were a number of problems with the log-in procedures, and with certain aspects of the navigation of the module, but the teaching method itself was seen as successful, with the scenario-based quizzes seen as particularly valuable.
- The module was not well publicised and users tended to have come across it by chance, either because they were searching specifically for information about sickness certification, or because they had been on the Corporate Medical Group website and had noticed the link to the module. However, those who did use the module were positive about it and felt that it had improved their knowledge and confidence.
- The report made a number of practical recommendations to improve
the module – many of which are already being put in place:
- Simplify the log-in procedures.
- Improve the marketing of the module
- Increase the number and complexity of the scenario-based quizzes
- Improve the clarity of certain parts of the module, for example the sections on Personal Capability Assessments and MED4s
- Add further information on other aspects of GPs’ work-related responsibilities
Notes to Editors
- ‘Evaluation of Online Learning Module about Sickness Certification for General Practitioners’ is published today in the DWP Research Report Series: report number 304. A summary and copy of the report are available on the DWP website at http://www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/.
- The report is based on 20 face-to-face qualitative interviews with doctors, including GPs and occupational physicians, who had used the module.
- Sickness Certification Made Easy is the first of a series of online learning modules designed by the Corporate Medical Group in DWP. The module is designed to support GPs in their important role of providing advice about fitness for work.
Press enquiries: 020 7238 0766
Out of hours press enquiries: 07659 108 883
Public enquiries: 020 7712 2171
Website: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/
Prepared by: DWP Work, Welfare and Poverty Directorate