VIRTUAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN PEDIATRIC RHEUMATOLOGY FOR PEDIATRIC RESIDENTS.

Ana Luiza Garcia Cunha,Claudio Arnaldo Len,Maria Teresa Terreri

doi:10.1590/1984-0462/2020/38/2018189

Abstract

ABSTRACTObjective:To develop, implement and evaluate an online virtual learning environment (VLE) on pediatric rheumatology, aimed at pediatric residents, analyzing its effectiveness and satisfaction rates.Methods:A total of 92 first and second year pediatric residents at two pediatric reference centers were invited to participate in the study. Residents were randomized into a case group (that answered the pre-course test, attended the six virtual pediatric rheumatology modules, and then responded to the post-course test and a satisfaction questionnaire) and a control group (that only answered the pre-course test and, after 4 weeks, the post-course test).Results:Forty-seven residents (51%) completed their participation. In the case group (n=24), the mean percentage of correct answers was 14% higher on the post-course test (p<0.001). The number of correct answers was larger in the case group than in the control one (n=23) in the post-course test (p=0.045). In the assessment of satisfaction with VLE use, residents considered the site easy to navigate (91%), suitable as a learning tool (91%), and attractive in design (79%). They reported poor prior knowledge in pediatric rheumatology (91%) and agreed that there was good learning with the methodology (75%).Conclusions:The virtual learning environment in pediatric rheumatology proved to be an effective teaching tool with high satisfaction rates, providing pediatrician residents with adequate knowledge regarding the initial assessment and management of children with rheumatic diseases.

Highlights

Studies shows that the prevalence of pediatric rheumatic diseases ranges from 2,500 to 3,000 cases per million children and adolescents.[1]
The Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (SBP), through the basic curriculum for pediatrics recommended by the Global Pediatric Education Consortium (GPEC), recommends that, at the end of their training, the pediatric resident should be able to consider rheumatological disease, by choosing appropriate investigations, understanding the indication and complications of immunosuppressive treatment, and being able to orient families about treatment; and to recognize the suitable time to request an evaluation by a pediatric rheumatologist.[6]
This study aimed to develop, apply and evaluate a teaching tool capable of spreading knowledge about pediatric rheumatology, providing pediatric residents with adequate knowledge for the initial evaluation and management of patients with childhood rheumatic diseases

Summary

Introduction

Studies shows that the prevalence of pediatric rheumatic diseases ranges from 2,500 to 3,000 cases per million children and adolescents.[1]. A study conducted in Brazil in 2002 at eight pediatric rheumatology centers with juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients showed inadequate initial diagnosis in 84% of cases, leading to an average diagnostic delay of 1.4 years.[5]. There are no official data on the access of general pediatric residents in Brazil to pediatric rheumatology trainings. In Minas Gerais, for example, the unified selection process of 2017 offered 147 first-year pediatric vacancies in 30 medical residency programs, of which only four have pediatric rheumatology services at their teaching hospital. This estimate shows that possibly only 26% of Minas Gerais pediatric residents have any practical training in the field

Methods

Results

Conclusion