Since a blended learning continuing education course may appeal to busy healthcare professionals because the primary content can be learned online while an in-person component can hone clinical skills, the current study assessed knowledge retention in a sample of healthcare professionals who participated in a nationwide sexual assault forensic examiner blended learning course (12-week online course and 2-day in-person patient simulation).
Participants' characteristics, motivation, and external barriers were collected through a pre-course web-based survey. Participants' knowledge was assessed through pretests and posttests for 12 modules and a 3-month post-course examination. Using repeated measures analysis of variance, the study examined whether participants retained their knowledge at the 3-month follow-up point. Multiple linear regression was used to explore the factors associated with knowledge retention. The findings indicate a modest knowledge loss 3 months after the blended learning course. Still, some participants experienced less knowledge retention than others. Post-course activities, such as a brief refresher course, may be useful to help participants maintain their knowledge gains. (publisher abstract modified)