Oncology E-Learning for Undergraduate. A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Oncology
• Physiotherapy

Background:

• E-learning is a promising educational method in healthcare, yet prospective randomized studies in oncology are scarce.
• Assessing information retention in oncology for physiotherapy students is crucial for effective patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare the information retention levels of undergraduate physiotherapy students in oncology using e-learning versus traditional classroom methods.
• To determine the efficacy of e-learning in oncology education for physiotherapy students.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, randomized, controlled, crossover study involving 72 undergraduate physiotherapy students.
• Students were assigned to either traditional classroom or e-learning modules covering physiotherapy in oncology (PHO).
• Knowledge acquisition was assessed via pre- and post-module tests, with information retention evaluated over time.

Main Results:

• A significant improvement in knowledge was observed from pre-test (44.6%) to post-test (73.9%) (p < 0.001).
• No statistically significant differences were found in pre-test, post-test scores, or information retention between the e-learning and traditional classroom groups (p > 0.05).
• Both educational modalities facilitated significant knowledge acquisition in PHO.

Conclusions:

• E-learning is an effective method for teaching physiotherapy in oncology, yielding results comparable to traditional classroom instruction.
• The study supports the integration of e-learning into oncology education for physiotherapy students, given its similar information retention rates.
• Further research into e-learning's role in specialized medical education is warranted.