RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 A novel online education module to teach clinicians how to correctly identify ultrasonographic features of mediastinal lymph nodes during endobronchial ultrasound
JF Canadian Journal of Surgery
JO CAN J SURG
FD Canadian Medical Association
SP E62
OP E68
DO 10.1503/cjs.000119
VO 63
IS 1
A1 Danielle A. Hylton
A1 Yaron Shargall
A1 Christian Finley
A1 John Agzarian
A1 Christine Fahim
A1 Waël C. Hanna
YR 2020
UL http://canjsurg.ca/content/63/1/E62.abstract
AB Background: Ultrasonographic features can be used to predict mediastinal lymph node malignancy during endobronchial ultrasonography. Despite the validity of using these features for this purpose, the features are not being widely used in clinical practice. This may be attributable to the absence of educational programs that teach clinicians how to identify the features. To address this knowledge gap, we developed an online educational module to teach clinicians how to correctly interpret ultrasonographic features.Methods: The module was designed using corrective feedback and test-enhanced learning theories and distributed to clinicians in relevant specialties. The efficacy of the program was determined by comparing the percentages of correctly identified ultrasonographic features as each clinician progressed through the module. Participants were also asked to self-rate their confidence during the module. Analysis of variance was conducted, and a learning curve and descriptive statistics were generated.Results: Twenty-two of the 29 participants (76%) completed the module. Analysis of variance indicated that the percentage of correctly identified features increased significantly as clinicians completed the module (p = 0.004); this finding is supported by the positive slope of the learning curve. Even though they initially reported some difficulty with identifying certain features, their confidence increased as they progressed through the module. When asked, 86% of participants reported that they found the educational module helpful and 90% reported that they would recommend it to others.Conclusion: Participating clinicians were receptive to the interactive educational module. It enhances clinician skill and confidence in interpreting ultrasonographic features. The results of this study provide the foundation needed to test the validity of the educational module in clinical settings and to further explore clinician preferences for educational programs.