BACKGROUND: Nutrition education is not an integral part of either undergraduate or postgraduate medical education. Computer-based instruction on nutrition might be an attractive and appropriate tool to fill this gap. OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to assess the degree to which computer-based instruction on nutrition improves factual knowledge and practice behavior of general practitioner (GP) trainees. DESIGN: We carried out a controlled experimental study, using a 79-item knowledge test and 3 incognito standardized patients' visits in a pre- and posttest design with 49 first-year GP trainees. The experimental group (n = 25) received an average of 6 h of a newly developed computer-based instruction on nutrition. The control subjects (n = 24) took the standard vocational training program. RESULTS: The percentage of correct answers on the knowledge test increased from 30% at pretest to 42% at posttest in the experimental group, and from 36% to 37% in the control group. Analysis of covariance, with the pretest scores as covariate, showed a significant experimental versus control group difference at posttest: 9.2% (P = 0.002). The mean percentage of correctly performed items during the 3 standardized patients' visits (assessed by checklists) showed an increase in the experimental group from 20% at pretest to 36% at posttest, whereas the control group changed from 20% to 22%. Analysis of covariance, with the pretest scores as covariate, revealed a significant group difference at posttest: 13.7% (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The computer-based instruction proved its effectiveness, both by increasing factual knowledge and by substantially enhancing GP trainees' practice behavior on the subject of nutrition.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: Nutrition education is not an integral part of either undergraduate or postgraduate medical education. Computer-based instruction on nutrition might be an attractive and appropriate tool to fill this gap. OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to assess the degree to which computer-based instruction on nutrition improves factual knowledge and practice behavior of general practitioner (GP) trainees. DESIGN: We carried out a controlled experimental study, using a 79-item knowledge test and 3 incognito standardized patients' visits in a pre- and posttest design with 49 first-year GP trainees. The experimental group (n = 25) received an average of 6 h of a newly developed computer-based instruction on nutrition. The control subjects (n = 24) took the standard vocational training program. RESULTS: The percentage of correct answers on the knowledge test increased from 30% at pretest to 42% at posttest in the experimental group, and from 36% to 37% in the control group. Analysis of covariance, with the pretest scores as covariate, showed a significant experimental versus control group difference at posttest: 9.2% (P = 0.002). The mean percentage of correctly performed items during the 3 standardized patients' visits (assessed by checklists) showed an increase in the experimental group from 20% at pretest to 36% at posttest, whereas the control group changed from 20% to 22%. Analysis of covariance, with the pretest scores as covariate, revealed a significant group difference at posttest: 13.7% (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The computer-based instruction proved its effectiveness, both by increasing factual knowledge and by substantially enhancing GP trainees' practice behavior on the subject of nutrition.
Authors: Carine M Lenders; Darwin D Deen; Bruce Bistrian; Marilyn S Edwards; Douglas L Seidner; M Molly McMahon; Martin Kohlmeier; Nancy F Krebs Journal: Am J Clin Nutr Date: 2014-03-19 Impact factor: 7.045
Authors: Sara E Benjamin; Deborah F Tate; Shrikant I Bangdiwala; Brian H Neelon; Alice S Ammerman; Janice M Dodds; Dianne S Ward Journal: Matern Child Health J Date: 2007-08-23
Authors: Victor Mogre; Albert J J A Scherpbier; Fred Stevens; Paul Aryee; Mary Gemma Cherry; Tim Dornan Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2016-10-21 Impact factor: 2.692
Authors: Victor Mogre; Fred C J Stevens; Paul A Aryee; Anthony Amalba; Albert J J A Scherpbier Journal: BMC Med Educ Date: 2018-02-12 Impact factor: 2.463
Authors: Elisa J F Houwink; Arno M M Muijtjens; Sarah R van Teeffelen; Lidewij Henneman; Jan Joost Rethans; Liesbeth E J van der Jagt; Scheltus J van Luijk; Geert Jan Dinant; Cees van der Vleuten; Martina C Cornel Journal: Genet Med Date: 2013-05-30 Impact factor: 8.822