Improving knowledge on vaccine storage management in general practices: Learning effectiveness of an online-based program.

BACKGROUND Adequate vaccine storage is a prerequisite for assuring effective vaccinations yet storage conditions in practices are frequently inadequate. The online learning program Keep Cool aims at improving knowledge on international best practices. This study evaluates the program's learning effectiveness focusing on key indicators for knowledge on vaccine storage, such as temperature target range (2 to 8 °C) and documentation requirements. METHODS Participants were recruited from within a university teaching practice network. Knowledge was measured with an online-based questionnaire (11 correct items = optimal vaccine storage knowledge) which was completed before and after the online program. RESULTS 60 physicians and practice assistants from 25 practices participated. The mean knowledge score was 5.6 correct answers (standard deviation [SD] 1.9), which increased to 9.8 (SD 1.2) after program participation (p < 0.001). The item with the highest net change addressed the need for twice-daily documentation of temperatures (+76.7%). Knowledge of the lower and upper temperature targets improved from 58% respectively 63% to 100% each. Optimal vaccine storage knowledge after participation (38% of participants) was associated neither with age, gender, occupational group nor practice type. CONCLUSION The new online education program showed a high learning effectiveness regarding key indicators for the quality of vaccine storage management. Clinical Trial Registry Number: DRKS00006561.