EDUCATION RESEARCH POSTER PRESENTATION ABSTRACTS
Please note: All posters will be displayed in
Salons 10-12.
FRIDAY, 10:15-11:00 AM
Kemper K, Gardiner P, Gobble, J, Mitra A, Woods C.
Randomized, controlled trial comparing four strategies
for delivering an e-Curriculum to Health Care Professionals.
Wake Forest University School of Medicine kkemper@wfubmc.edu
PURPOSE: Health care professionals have been
urged to learn more about herbs and dietary supplements (HDS). The purpose
of this study is to compare four strategies for delivering an Internet-based
(e-) curriculum on clinicians' knowledge (K), confidence (CONF), and
communication (COMM) about HDS.
METHODS: This national randomized 2 X 2 factorial
trial included physicians, pharmacists, nurses, nutritionists and trainees
in these fields. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four
curriculum delivery strategies for 40 brief modules about HDS: a) delivering
four (4) modules weekly over ten (10) weeks by email (drip-push); b)
modules accessible on web site with 4 reminders weekly for 10 weeks
(drip-pull); c) 40 modules delivered within 4 days by email (bolus-push);
and d) 40 modules available on the Internet with one email informing
participants of availability (bolus-pull).
RESULTS: Of the 1,267 enrollees, 25% were male;
the average age was 40 years. The completion rate was 62%, without significant
differences between delivery groups. There were statistically significant
improvements in K, CONF and COMM scores after the course (P<0.001 for
all), although the difference in COMM was small. There were no significant
differences in any of the three outcomes by delivery strategy, but outcomes
were better for those who paid for continuing education credit.
CONCLUSION: An e-curriculum about HDS similarly
improved K, CONF, COMM scores for all delivery strategies. Educators
can use the strategy that is most convenient without diminishing effectiveness.
Additional curricula may be necessary to make substantial changes in
clinicians' communication practices.
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