Learning Predictors in a Distance Program: A Study with Public Healthcare Providers

Distance programs are frequently used by public healthcare providers at the Unifi ed Healthcare System (SUS) in Brazil. This research consisted of evaluating learning predictors in a distance specialization program off ered by a university to public healthcare providers. The main objective of this study was to analyze the infl uence of variables related to the characteristics of clients (personal data, professional data, well-being at work) and their reaction to the course (instructional procedures and tutor performance) over the learning process. Data collection was conducted through the Internet, with the participation of 125 students. The averages for the items of the Well-being Scale, Reaction to Tutor Performance Scale and Reaction to the Instructional Procedures Scale remained near the midpoint of the Scale. Concerning the learning results, students obtained high averages (grades) in the evaluative activities of the program. Well-being and reaction questionnaires were valid based on the analyzes performed. Multiple regression analyzes showed that participant reaction to instructional procedures and their practice area signifi cantly predicted the learning process of the sample. This work added new knowledge to the distance training evaluation area in public healthcare.