Case-based e-learning to improve the attitude of medical students towards occupational health, a randomised controlled trial

Occup Environ Med. 2012 Apr;69(4):280-3. doi: 10.1136/oemed-2011-100317. Epub 2011 Oct 27.

Abstract

Objectives: Undergraduate medical teaching in occupational health (OH) is a challenge in universities around the world. Case-based e-learning with an attractive clinical context could improve the attitude of medical students towards OH. The study question is whether case-based e-learning for medical students is more effective in improving knowledge, satisfaction and a positive attitude towards OH than non-case-based textbook learning.

Methods: Participants, 141 second year medical students, were randomised to either case-based e-learning or text-based learning. Outcome measures were knowledge, satisfaction and attitude towards OH, measured at baseline, directly after the intervention, after 1 week and at 3-month follow-up.

Results: Of the 141 participants, 130 (92%) completed the questionnaires at short-term follow-up and 41 (29%) at 3-month follow-up. At short-term follow-up, intervention and control groups did not show a significant difference in knowledge nor satisfaction but attitude towards OH was significantly more negative in the intervention group (F=4.041, p=0.047). At 3-month follow-up, there were no significant differences between intervention and control groups for knowledge, satisfaction and attitude.

Conclusions: We found a significant decrease in favourable attitude during the internship in the experimental group compared with the control group. There were no significant differences in knowledge or satisfaction between case-based e-learning and text-based learning. The attitude towards OH should be further investigated as an outcome of educational programmes.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Clinical Competence*
  • Education, Medical, Undergraduate*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Internship and Residency
  • Male
  • Netherlands
  • Occupational Health / education*
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Problem-Based Learning / methods*
  • Students, Medical*
  • Young Adult