An investigation into specialty trainee engagement with e-learning.

AIM:: The objectives of this study were to determine paediatric specialty trainees' engagement with e-learning in Health Education England North West and the characteristics of sites accessed by specialty trainees, and to assess the quality of web interfaces being used and whether this aligns with the best evidence for e-learning provision.

METHODS:: A two-phase mixed methods design was used: a scoping exercise to elicit specialty trainees' preferred e-learning tools and a quality assessment of the named sites, and specialty trainee telephone interviews.

RESULTS:: A total of 135 respondents identified 86 sites. Quality assessment found considerable variation across sites and a number of barriers to access, one issue being uncertainty about quality and validity of sites.

CONCLUSIONS:: E-learning is viewed as an integral part of both mandatory and speciality training but there is considerable variation in access to and quality of sites. Specialty trainees value the convenience and breadth of e-learning available but express concerns about assessing the validity and legitimacy of such sites.