Abstract:

In 2005, the National Institute of Public Health of México conducted an educational reengineering consisted in the adoption of a competency-based educational model and the use of ICT in learning environments. Since then, there have been eight generations of the Master in Public, as well as about 30,000 students in virtual continuing education.

During 2013, a training strategy in the state of Puebla highlighted among more than 40 other continuing education programs. In this strategy, more than 2,000 students were trained in 13 different educational topics that dealt with themes related to the state health needs: breast cancer, emergency obstetric care, leadership and management of health services, addiction prevention, epidemiological surveillance, non-communicable chronic diseases and mental health among others.

The participants profile was divided into three different levels: Strategic (Health Minister and its cabinet), tactical (Hospital directors, assistant directors and administrative staff of health services) and operational (Medical doctors, nurses, health promoters and health professionals that are in touch with the population).

The design of each learning environment (online, face-to-face or blended) was handled according to the participants' profile and the learning competencies they had to develop. The learning-strategy got each participant's social-demographic and technological profiles, their motivation to learn and their learning styles.

The last courses are about to be concluded. Nevertheless, having 90% of them already finished, encouraging and positive results have been obtained; 80% of participants have completed satisfactory their courses. A qualitative - quantitative research method is being applied measuring the barriers and facilitators the health professionals have in order to conclude their courses. The final results will be ready in February 2014.

Keywords:

Educational innovation, Public health, Puebla, Mexico, Facilitators and barriers, Learning styles, Motivation to learn, Technological profile.