Development and impact evaluation of an e-learning radiation oncology module.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Radiation Oncology
• Radiologic Anatomy

Background:

• Radiation oncologists require precise knowledge of radiologic anatomy and treatment planning to deliver curative doses while minimizing toxicity.
• Existing educational resources for this specialized knowledge are insufficient.
• A novel web-based interactive module was developed to address this gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and assess the effectiveness of a web-based interactive module for improving radiation oncology residents' knowledge of anatomy.
• To evaluate the module's impact on radiotherapy treatment planning skills.

Main Methods:

• A multidisciplinary team developed an e-learning module focused on gynecologic malignancies.
• A multi-center randomized controlled study involved 36 radiation oncology residents.
• Participants were divided into an intervention group (module access) and a control group (traditional methods), with pre- and post-tests administered.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed a mean score improvement of 17% (p < 0.05), while the control group improved by 5% (p = not significant).
• Post-module surveys indicated statistically significant improvements in all measured learning objectives for the intervention group.
• The module effectively enhanced radiologic anatomy knowledge and treatment planning skills.

Conclusions:

• Interactive e-learning modules are effective for radiation oncology education.
• This module significantly improves residents' understanding of radiologic anatomy and treatment planning.
• The findings support the integration of such digital tools into radiation oncology residency programs.