Gamified e-learning course: A way to prudent use of antibiotics

Dorte Brandt Svendstrup,Nina Ank,Mona Kjaersgaard,Anders Helding Sørensen,Søren Jensen-Fangel

doi:10.15694/mep.2018.0000099.1

Abstract

This article was migrated. The article was not marked as recommended. The increase in antimicrobial resistance combined with the misuse of antimicrobials calls for antimicrobial stewardship programs to promote prudent use of antimicrobials. Education of prescribers can complement other antimicrobial stewardship activities.We report the successful development of a gamified e-learning course simulating the daily clinical work based on three virtual patients. We evaluated the course using a 16-item questionnaire, in which 125 doctors reported to have completed the course. Seventy-six percent (N 123) reported to have a wider knowledge of rational use of antibiotics after the course, and this was regardless of their self-estimated prior knowledge. The course was assessed by 74 % (N 119) to have a high professional level and by 67 % (N 119) to have motivated them to rational use of antimicrobials. The game-inspired design of the course was reported to have a positive influence on the learners' motivation for completing the course (64 %, N 114), helped maintain interest during the course (66 %, N 115), and enhanced the perceived educational benefit of the course (71 %, N 112). The interactive elements of the course were generally evaluated to be more educational than the passive elements.In conclusion, an interactive and gamified e-learning course based on virtual patients can be used as a strong educational tool in an antimicrobial program.

Highlights

The increase in antimicrobial resistance is a global problem
We developed the questionnaire on the e-learning course in conjunction with a questionnaire on rational use of antibiotics, which was part of an antimicrobial stewardship program
A total of 134 doctors employed at hospital A, Central Region Denmark had by the 31st of October 2016 completed the e-learning course

Summary

Introduction

The increase in antimicrobial resistance is a global problem. Studies at European hospitals have estimated that 37-64%, of antimicrobial treatments prescribed in hospitals are inappropriate or unnecessary (Cusini A et al 2010, Pulcini C et al 2007, Willemsen I et al 2007). One of the reasons for inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing could be lack of education (Charani E et al 2013, Cusini A et al 2010) and difficulties in maintaining an education program (Pulcini C et al 2013). Education can be included in antimicrobial stewardship programs (Barlam TF et al 2016, Dellit TH et al 2007, Pollack LA et al 2014) and in addition, education is considered a valuable tool in obtaining a change in prescription behaviour (Pulcini C et al 2011)

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