Clinical Personnel's Perceptions on Using Interactive Applications for Online Competency Testing

Abstract

This study explored the perceptions of clinical personnel on the use of an interactive application within a Personal Interactive Information Management Site (PIIMS) (http://macjuan.com). The interactive application selected for this study was a modular object-oriented dynamic learning environment (MOODLE) (http://moodle.org/), a free interactive application for online educational activities. PIIMS served as the Internet desktop or central network location for the information and application. The study tested MOODLE, an interactive application managed within PIIMS, as a feasible means of developing and administering online competency testing. The descriptive research study assessed the perceptions of laboratory personnel using the interactive application. A 36-item, computer-based survey was designed and administered to 55 participants using PIIMS. Factor analysis of the responses revealed 3 latent factors labeled preference, usefulness, and self-efficacy. The labeling of the 3 latent factors of perception was based on the theme related to each item and their strong primary loading. Furthermore, the analysis of the data indicated participants preferred using an interactive application for online competency testing over traditional methods, felt competent using the online method, and considered it more useful than other methods. Given the rate at which technology and information are evolving, it is important that we gain insight on the attitudes of using interactive applications within a central network location such as PIIMS for competency testing and information management. The results should provide information to other laboratories in need of more efficient and effective methods of competency testing on adopting new instructional technologies in the clinical laboratory environment. I would also recommend that in the future a more extensive research study be conducted with more participants and resources.