Evaluation of a particle repositioning maneuver Web-based teaching module.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Neurology
• Vestibular Disorders

Background:

• The Particle Repositioning Maneuver (PRM) is a key treatment for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
• Effective resident training in PRM is crucial for clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of three different instructional methods for teaching the PRM to residents.
• To evaluate a novel web-based learning module (WM) against small-group (SG) and classroom instruction (CI).

Main Methods:

• A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted with family medicine residents.
• Residents were randomized into three groups: SG, CI, or WM.
• Performance was assessed using the DizzyFIX test and blinded observer evaluation before and after intervention.

Main Results:

• No significant baseline differences in pass rates were observed between groups.
• Post-intervention, the WM group achieved 100% pass rate on DizzyFIX, compared to 50% (SG) and 60% (CI).
• Observer-rated pass rates were 83.3% for WM, 85.7% for SG, and 28.6% for CI, with WM and SG being statistically comparable (P = .0431).

Conclusions:

• The web-based learning module for PRM is a viable and effective educational tool.
• WM is comparable to SG instruction and superior to CI for teaching the PRM, based on observer assessment.