Document Detail


Are live instructors replaceable? Computer vs. classroom lectures for EFAST training.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  19892506     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
BACKGROUND: The EFAST (extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma) is part of the recommended curriculum for Emergency Medicine and Surgery residents. Computer-based lectures may represent a time-efficient alternative to traditional lectures.
OBJECTIVES: Our hypothesis was that computer lectures in basic ultrasound and the EFAST are not inferior to classroom lectures in test score improvement for residents with or without prior training.
METHODS: First-year Emergency Medicine and Surgery residents were enrolled and completed a pre-test. Subjects were then randomized into a classroom group, which attended traditional lectures, and a computer group, which listened to narrated lectures on computers. After the didactic training, all subjects completed a post-test.
RESULTS: Forty-four subjects completed the study: 64% were General Surgery residents, 66% were male. Overall, mean test score improvements were higher in the classroom than in the computer group (28.0% vs. 18.4%). In 25 residents without prior training, mean improvements in the computer and classroom groups were 25% and 27%, respectively. The 95% confidence limit around the difference was 9%, falling within the a priori non-inferiority range of 10%, and consistent with non-inferiority of computer-based lectures. In 19 residents with prior training, mean test score improvements for the computer and classroom groups were 13% and 29%, respectively. The 95% confidence limit of 24% exceeded the non-inferiority range, consistent with inferiority of computer-based lectures.
CONCLUSIONS: Computer-based lectures are not inferior to classroom lectures and may represent a worthwhile substitution in subjects without prior ultrasound education. Our data suggest that didactic ultrasound training through classroom lectures is more effective than computer-based lectures in individuals with prior training.
Authors:
Elke Platz; Andrew Liteplo; Shelley Hurwitz; James Hwang
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Comparative Study; Journal Article; Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't     Date:  2009-11-05
Journal Detail:
Title:  The Journal of emergency medicine     Volume:  40     ISSN:  0736-4679     ISO Abbreviation:  J Emerg Med     Publication Date:  2011 May 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-05-16     Completed Date:  2011-09-22     Revised Date:  2011-10-27    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  8412174     Medline TA:  J Emerg Med     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  534-8     Citation Subset:  IM    
Copyright Information:
Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Affiliation:
Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Adult
Computer-Assisted Instruction / methods*
Education, Medical, Graduate / methods*
Educational Measurement
Emergency Medicine / education*
Female
General Surgery / education*
Hospitals, Teaching
Humans
Internship and Residency
Male
Teaching / methods*
Ultrasonography*

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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