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Self-study from web-based and printed guideline materials. A randomized, controlled trial among resident physicians.
D S Bell1, G C Fonarow, R D Hays
1University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Resarch, 90095-1736, USA. sageguery@gim.med.ucla.edu
Annals of Internal Medicine
|June 17, 2000
Summary
Web-based tutorials improved learning efficiency and satisfaction compared to print materials for acute myocardial infarction guidelines. However, long-term knowledge retention was similar, suggesting further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Digital Health
- Cardiology
Background:
- Physician education increasingly utilizes online platforms, but comparative efficacy against traditional self-study methods remains unclear.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of digital learning tools is crucial for modern medical training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of World Wide Web-based versus print-based self-study of acute myocardial infarction guidelines.
- To assess differences in knowledge acquisition, learning efficiency, and learner satisfaction.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 162 residents across 12 programs at four universities.
- Participants studied guidelines via a web-based tutorial (SAGE) or print materials, with identical content but enhanced features in SAGE (hyperlinks, animations).
- Outcomes measured included knowledge test scores, learning efficiency (score gain per unit time), and learner satisfaction.
Main Results:
- Immediate post-test scores were similar between SAGE and print groups.
- SAGE users demonstrated significantly greater learning efficiency (score gain per hour) and higher learner satisfaction.
- Long-term knowledge retention (4-6 months) was comparable between both study methods.
Conclusions:
- Online tutorials like SAGE can enhance learning efficiency and satisfaction compared to print materials.
- A single self-study session may not be sufficient for sustained knowledge retention.
- Further research is needed to identify features that improve long-term knowledge retention in online medical education.
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