Impact of online education on intern behaviour around joint commission national patient safety goals: a randomised trial. Issue 10 (16th June 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shaw, Tim J; Pernar, Luise I; Peyre, Sarah E; Helfrick, John F; Vogelgesang, Kaitlin R; Graydon-Baker, Erin; Chretien, Yves; Brown, Elizabeth J; Nicholson, James C; Heit, Jeremy J; Co, John Patrick T; Gandhi, Tejal
• Is Part Of: BMJ quality & safety. Volume 21:Issue 10(2012)
• Page Start: 819
• Page End: 825
• Publication Date: 2012-06-16
• Subjects: Education -- graduate -- safety -- quality of healthcare -- graduate medical education -- health professions education -- patient safety -- Information technology -- medical education -- continuous quality improvement; Medical care -- Quality control -- Periodicals; Health facilities -- Risk management -- Periodicals; Medical errors -- Prevention -- Periodicals; 362.106805
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2011-000702
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2044-5415

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of two types of online learning methodologies for improving the patient-safety behaviours mandated in the Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goals (NPSG). Methods: This randomised controlled trial was conducted in 2010 at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) in Boston USA. Incoming interns were randomised to either receive an online Spaced Education (SE) programme consisting of cases and questions that reinforce over time, or a programme consisting of an online slide show followed by a quiz (SQ). The outcome measures included NPSG-knowledge improvement, NPSG-compliant behaviours in a simulation scenario, self-reported confidence in safety and quality, programme acceptability and programme relevance. Results: Both online learning programmes improved knowledge retention. On four out of seven survey items measuring satisfaction and self-reported confidence, the proportion of SE interns responding positively was significantly higher (p<0.05) than the fraction of SQ interns. SE interns demonstrated a mean 4.79 (36.6%) NPSG-compliant behaviours (out of 13 total), while SQ interns completed a mean 4.17 (32.0%) (p=0.09). Among those in surgical fields, SE interns demonstrated a mean 5.67 (43.6%) NPSG-compliant behaviours, while SQ interns completed a mean 2.33 (17.9%) (p=0.015). Focus group data indicates that SE was more contextually relevant than SQ, and significantly more engaging. Conclusion: While both online methodologies improved knowledge surrounding the NPSG, SE was more contextually relevant to trainees and was engaging. SE impacted more significantly on both self-reported confidence and the behaviour of surgical residents in a simulated scenario.