E-Learning is an Acceptable and Effective Method to Improve Emergency Physicians’ Musculoskeletal Knowledge
Rowe, A.; Bernard, L.; McCabe, Aileen
Background: Emergency medicine physicians are commonly tasked with the initial
assessment and management of musculoskeletal presentations despite widely reported
poor musculoskeletal competency. This study aimed to develop and evaluate an online E-
Learning musculoskeletal medicine programme for junior emergency doctors.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted. A musculoskeletal E-learning
programme, which was developed from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine
curriculum, was launched on the online learning platform „Edmodo©‟. A convenience
sample of all junior emergency medicine doctors in an Irish emergency department was
taken. The Kirkpatrick model of learning evaluation was used to assess the impact of the
programme. Evaluation at Kirkpatrick Level 1 (response) occurred via a learner feedback
questionnaire. Participant‟s learning (Kirkpatrick Level 2) was assessed using pre-learning
and post-learning knowledge quizzes and changes in self-reported knowledge.
Results: Nineteen of twenty-three (83%) of junior emergency doctors participated in the
programme. 93% of responders agreed or strongly agreed that they were satisfied with the
content received. There was an increase in knowledge scores between the pre and post-
learning quizzes (overall pre-learning mean score 55.2% v overall post-learning mean score
84%, p <0.05). Participants‟ self-reported knowledge improved post completion of the E-
learning programme (9 positive pre-learning self-reported responses v 37 positive post-
learning self-reported responses, p<0.05).
Conclusion: This study shows that a bespoke musculoskeletal medicine E-learning
programme is acceptable to emergency medicine doctors and increases their knowledge
acquisition.
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