Effectiveness of a model for training direct service personnel in rural and remote locations

Alaska's vast land mass and diversified urban, rural, and remote communities require innovative strategies to meet training needs for direct service personnel. A competency-based training programme using an independent learning format and master trainers was developed to meet these extreme needs. The training methods were evaluated with questionnaires at the end of training and at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. The data demonstrate that the materials, the study format, and the master trainer model were effective and maintained over time. We conclude that the training methods developed reliably address the unique needs of training in rural and remote sites, as well as more accessible urban sites.