VFC Online Training: Pilot Test Results

The IZ Branch is currently developing online training in immunization skills for medical assistants who work in California VFC provider offices. Beta versions of the first two online lessons, Preparing Vaccines and Administering Vaccines were pilot tested with five groups—four groups of medical assistants working in Bay Area VFC provider practices and a group of students enrolled in a medical assistant certificate training program. A total of 20 subjects participated in the pilot test of the two lessons.

 During the pilot test each participant:

1.      Took the pre-test

2.      Took the online lesson

3.      Took the post-test

4.      Participated in a focus group discussion about the lesson

Here are some typical comments about the training from pilot participants during the focus group discussions:

·         Easy to understand; fun

·         Liked that it is so interactive and hands-on; like visual learning

·         Has just the right information; not too much information

The piloted lessons are the first in the EZ-IZ curriculum, which will include vaccine storage and handling, vaccine inventory management, patient aftercare, and other immunization-related skills. The planned launch of the first two lessons and the EZ-IZ website is scheduled for the end of this month.