Standardized training for pain, agitation-sedation, and delirium (PAD) management is urgently needed for Chinese intensivists' continuing education. Since 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese Analgesia and Sedation Education and Research (CASER) group has used an online blended teaching mode based on a small private online course (SPOC) and case-based learning (CBL). This study evaluated whether an online blended teaching mode has similar effects on PAD management training when an offline mode cannot be used.Since 2020, the CASER group has provided offline training and online SPOC&CBL training three times each, targeting intensivists and ICU nurses in China. All participants were divided into an offline group and SPOC&CBL group. A final examination was offered in each training session to assess the students' mastery of professional knowledge. Teachers' and students' perceptions regarding the online SPOC&CBL mode were evaluated through questionnaires.Of all participants (n = 117), 106 completed all examinations and questionnaires. Most participants were aged 31-40 years (53, 50.0%), had an academic degree (60, 56.6%), and worked in a tertiary hospital (100, 94.34%). We assessed the learning effect on participants from two aspects: theory and clinical practice. There was no significant difference between the SPOC&CBL and offline groups in terms of theoretical, case analysis, and total scores (p > 0.05). In terms of the participants' perceptions regarding the SPOC&CBL mode, 91.5% considered the online mode to be a useful and accessible alternative to improve knowledge and skills. A total of 95.7% of the participants believed that they could interact well with group members, and 87.2% believed that they had a good degree of participation. Of these participants, 76.6% believed that they had received valuable learning resources. All instructors believed that the SPOC&CBL mode was more flexible than the offline mode in terms of teaching time and location, and they were all willing to carry out training with the SPOC&CBL mode.Compared to the offline mode, the SPOC&CBL mode can also enhance participants' knowledge and skills and meets their expectations. Therefore, an online mode can be considered a potential method in PAD management education in China.© 2023. The Author(s).