Table 1 Factors that are likely to create an effective online dementia learning environment and its correlation to the program ‘Positive Approach to Care of the Older Person with Dementia ’

1. Self-directed/ self-paced learning [21, 22]

• Participants can work at their own pace, within their own time frame within the 12-week period.

2. Individualised, based on learner’s profile and background [12, 22]

• Program relates to all clinicians regardless of their role and experience.

• Program measures different levels of competencies and tailors program content to these needs.

3. Interactive [8, 22]

• Participants take part in forums and real time chats where they can share ideas and work practices with other participants and interact with educational facilitators.

4. Multimodal [8, 22]

• Various forms of communication are used including the use of videos, virtual tours, animations, quizzes, case studies and the opportunity for discussions.

5. Flexibility [2, 23, 24]

• The program is flexible in that it can be delivered online, face to face or a combination of both. The program is flexible in delivery, accessibility and if people can’t attend the forums there are alternatives to completing the assessment tasks.

6. Accessible [2, 23, 24]

• The Program is available 24/7, 7 days a week, from anywhere, provided the person has a computer / tablet / device with access to the internet and is provided free of charge to the participant.

7. Consistency of information, repetition, reinforcement [8, 23]

• The program provides reliable, current, standardised syllabus content, offering a consistent teaching tool for facilitators and exposes the participant to evidence-based learning. Content is repeated and reinforced in multiple ways, such as quizzes.

• Measures are in place that ensure that progression through the course only occurs when the participant achieves an 80% pass. If this mark is not achieved, they are able to repeat the lesson to help solidify the information learnt. Alternatively, the participant can liaise with their facilitator in regards to areas that need extra support.

8. Cost effective & good value for investment both for the learner and the system [2, 8]

• The program provides equitable access to all participants which benefits their learning path. It provides Continuing Professional Development towards their AHPRA registration needs and at the same time improves the care they deliver to the person living with dementia.

• The Program reduces the rural / remote divide for clinicians through the accessibility and cost effectiveness of the program.

• This benefits the health system as it provides a skilled and knowledgeable workforce through a consistent knowledge base.

9. Measures using questionnaires / feedback / surveys of satisfaction [7, 8, 23, 25, 26]

• Numerous opportunities are provided throughout the program to provide feedback and satisfaction on the learning experience.

• Feedback is collected anonymously in order to encourage participants to provide honest responses.

10. Provides equitable engagement [21, 26, 27]

• All learners, regardless of role, are encouraged to participate in the program and have equal access to the facilitator, peers and resources.

11. Facilitated / access to instructor / mentored [22, 23, 27, 28]

• The program is facilitated by a clinical expert. The facilitator is there to support and encourage the learner and can be contacted anytime by the participants.

• The network team is available to assist and support the facilitator with technical support and trouble shooting.

• The program provides a supportive platform for facilitators.

12. Nurtures critical thinking, reflection & applicability [8, 26, 28, 29]

• This is achieved through the online chats, case studies and posting to the forum. Participants are encouraged to share barriers and positive outcomes they encounter in practice.

13. Establishment of a learning community [12, 21, 27, 28]

• Participants remain lifetime members of the network. Opportunities to interact on completion of the program continues through Facebook, forums, tea rooms, the newsletters and the monthly hot topic.

14. Ability for translation into practice [2, 27, 30, 31]

• Participants are encouraged to develop a quality improvement activity in their workplace that will improve the life of the person living with dementia.