PS6 R3 Evaluating course completion, appropriateness and burden in the Understanding Multiple Sclerosis Massive Open Online Course

Title

Evaluating course completion, appropriateness and burden in the Understanding Multiple Sclerosis Massive Open Online Course

Author(s)

• Suzi B Claflin, Menzies Institute for Medical Research, CoHM*
• Julie A Campbell, Menzies Institute for Medical Research, CoHM
• Kathleen Doherty, Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, CoHM
• Maree Farrow, Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, CoHM
• Barnabas Bessing, Menzies Institute for Medical Research, CoHM
• Bruce V Taylor, Menzies Institute for Medical Research, CoHM

Subtheme

Digital connections

Presentation Type

Showcase Presentation

Room

Room 3

Time

12.15-12.30

Abstract

Background: Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) research is an emerging field; to date, most research in this area has focused on participant engagement.

Objective: Here, we explore the impact of the Understanding MS MOOC; a potential source of connection, by evaluating participant engagement and measures of satisfaction, appropriateness and burden among a cohort of 3,518 international course participants.

Methods: We assessed the association of key outcomes with participant education level, MS status, caregiver status, sex, age, and disease duration using summary statistics, t-tests and chi square tests.

Results: Of the 3,518 study participants, 928 (31%) were people living with MS, 50% of which were within 5 years of diagnosis. Among the 2,590 participants not living with MS, 862 (41%) identified as formal or informal caregivers. Our key findings were: (1) the course completion rate among study participants was 67%; (2) the course was well received, with 97% of participants satisfied, with an appropriate pitch and low burden (a mean of 2.2 hours engagement per week); (3) people living with MS were less likely than those not living with MS to complete the course; (4) newly diagnosed people with MS, caregivers and participants without a university education were more likely to apply the material by course completion.

Conclusions: The Understanding MS MOOC is fit for purpose; it presents information in a way that is readily understood by course participants and is applicable in their lives. By increasing inclusivity and accessibility, the Understanding MS MOOC increases connections within the MS community; as it is particularly useful for under-resourced groups, including the newly diagnosed, carers, and those without a university degree.