Efficacy of an e-Learning Module on Endocrine Disruptors for Family Medicine Residents: Matched Before-And-After...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Medical Education
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Environmental factors contribute significantly to global mortality and chronic diseases.
• France's national health plan emphasizes training health professionals in environmental health.
• Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) pose risks by interfering with hormonal systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate an e-learning module's impact on resident satisfaction, knowledge, and behaviors concerning household EDCs.
• Assess the effectiveness of a novel educational intervention for primary care physicians.

Main Methods:

• A monocentric, before-and-after cohort study of first-year family medicine residents.
• Utilized an e-learning module with interactive elements, AI, videos, games, and flashcards.
• Assessed participants via pre/post questionnaires on satisfaction, knowledge, and behaviors, with statistical analysis (McNemar, t-tests).

Main Results:

• High participant satisfaction with the e-learning format and duration.
• Significant improvements in knowledge (P<.001) and self-reported preventive behaviors (P<.001).
• Post-training identification of at-risk populations and exposure sites improved, though specific EDC recognition varied.

Conclusions:

• The e-learning module effectively enhanced residents' knowledge and preventive behaviors regarding EDCs.
• Supports integrating environmental health training into medical curricula.
• Highlights the potential of e-learning for scalable interventions in primary care education.