Improved junior paediatric prescribing skills after a short e-learning intervention: a randomised controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Clinical Pharmacy
• Pediatric Medicine

Background:

• Medication errors are prevalent, with junior doctors frequently involved in acute care settings.
• Paediatric prescribing presents unique challenges, yet educational resources are limited.
• Developing effective prescribing education for junior doctors is crucial for patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a cost-effective e-learning resource for paediatric prescribing.
• To enhance the prescribing skills and confidence of junior doctors in paediatric care.
• To assess the long-term effectiveness of the e-learning intervention.

Main Methods:

• A non-blinded randomized controlled trial involving 162 junior doctors.
• Intervention group completed a 1-2 hour e-learning module on paediatric prescribing.
• Prescribing skills, habits, and confidence were assessed at baseline, and at 1 and 3 months post-intervention.

Main Results:

• No significant baseline differences in prescribing assessment scores between groups.
• The e-learning group demonstrated significantly higher prescribing assessment scores post-intervention (79% vs. 63%, p<0.0001).
• Improved scores and confidence were maintained in the e-learning group at 3 months (p<0.0001).

Conclusions:

• A brief, low-cost e-learning intervention effectively improved paediatric prescribing skills in junior doctors.
• The positive effects on prescribing skills and confidence were sustained for at least three months.
• Educationally sound, low-fidelity e-learning is a viable method for enhancing prescribing education.