A COMPUTER MODULE FOR USE OF MULTIMEDIA TECHNOLOGY IN PEDIATRIC EDUCATION.789

Abstract

Introduction: The restructuring of residency programs to meet primary care goals has decreased the time of some in-patient and ICU experiences. Interactive computer programs using multimedia technology can bring together various sights, sounds and situations to supplement the limited experience. Aim: To develop an interactive teaching module for use in resident teaching and education, based on the common problem of respiratory distress in the NICU. Method: The module was developed using Authorware Professional™ 3.0. A case based on the care of a 28 week premature infant with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) who needs NICU care is used to illustrate physiological principles of gas exchange, ventilator use and management of related complications, i.e., pneumothorax and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Appropriate graphics, radiographs, pathology specimens audio files and ultrasound were digitized and used to complement the text. Results: The program starts with the NICU admission of a 28 wk premature infant in respiratory distress. Blood gas and radiographs are shown to establish the diagnosis of RDS and make management plans including surfactant and ventilator use. Trans-illumination pictures and radiographs of the chest are used to demonstrate, identify and manage a pneumothorax and video footage is used to show placement of a chest tube. A cranial ultrasound shows a grade II IVH that develops following the pneumothorax. Subsequent resolution of RDS and weaning to extubation from the ventilator are presented in a decision based response format. During this process, impact weighted resident responses to structured questions are recorded and at the end of the case, a score report and review are provided for the purpose of evaluation. Informative text-links are also provided at all times from key-words on the screen. Conclusions: This program shows the capability and power of the use of current multimedia technology in resident education, especially to address the gaps in learning about infrequent but essential problems (e.g., pneumothorax in this case). This module can be used to develop educational material for other problems in pediatrics.