P–786 Virtual continual professional education programs in ART in time of SARS-CoV–2: do they deliver?
Authors: Nijs M , Morroll D , Lynch C , Levett S , Fleming S , Chin R , Razina O , Ketterson K , Erreb. Agerholm I 
Published: August 2021

Study question

Can virtual training deliver effective professional education to ART professionals?

Summary answer

Virtual continual professional education programs are an excellent learning platform for ART professionals. The web-based Educational Library is a very useful global scientific resource.

What is known already

Retention levels are the highest when theoretical knowledge sharing is combined with practical hands-on training in a face-to-face training center set up. This is especially the case for training in Assisted Reproductive Techniques, where success depends in part on the ART professional’s skills. Due to the global SARS-CoV–2 pandemic in 2020, hands-on training programs were forced to close, and new educational web-based activities tools like streaming of webinars and journal clubs were developed.

Study design, size, duration

The effectiveness of the Global Education and Webinar Series organised by CooperSurgical (including webinars and journal clubs) streamed in 2020, was evaluated retrospectively by analysing the following: 1) the live attendance rates; 2) viewing rates in the Webinar Series Library; 3) outcomes of the feedback questionnaire focusing on the level of the webinar content, relevance to day-to-day clinical and laboratory work, gaining new knowledge, and pace of the webinar.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

In 2020, 65 webinars and 8 journal clubs were streamed at different timepoints to accommodate a global professional ART audience. The target audience included embryologists, lab technicians, IVF clinicians, counsellors, and scientists. Topics were IVF lab and clinic-based, theoretical but also practical. Lectures were prepared with an evidence-based approach and submitted for scientific review. Post live attendance, viewers were invited to fill in a questionnaire; they obtained a certificate of attendance.

Main results and the role of chance

In 2020, 16,839 viewers attended the 65 live webinars and 8 journal clubs. Live attendance rates dropped by 75% in May, when IVF clinics were re-opening after the first wave of SARS-CoV–2.

On 08.01.2021, a total of 23,258 library viewings were recorded. Library viewings increased significantly after the re-opening of the clinics.

Viewers were located in 129 countries; India, Thailand, and Spain had the highest viewing of all the countries (&gt; 1500 viewings per country). Multiple viewers attended between 10 to 26 of the virtual activities.

The feedback analysis showed that 96% of the viewers found the webinars to be relevant to their day-to-day work; 92% gained knowledge as a result of the webinar; 94% of the viewers found the level appropriate and 91% felt that the pace of the presentations was just right.

These outcomes demonstrate that the need for continual professional education programs in ART in time of SARS-CoV–2 is clearly present globally. Our virtual Global Education and Webinar Series could deliver evidence-based knowledge to viewers globally and assist them in gaining knowledge – even in a distance learning setting. The Library is an excellent resource tool for ART professionals to gain knowledge at their own pace.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Not all ART professionals have access to high-quality internet facilities. Not all the viewers completed the questionnaire

Wider implications of the findings: Web-based virtual activities can be an excellent tool for knowledge sharing. These outcomes will be used to further develop our virtual educational training program.

Trial registration number

Not applicable