Abstract
Introduction. Web-based learning (WBL) is increasingly used in medical education; however, residency training programs often lack guidance on its implementation. We describe how the use of feasibility studies can guide the use of WBL in anesthesia residency training. Methods. Two case-based WBL emergency airway management modules were developed for self-directed use by anesthesia residents. The feasibility of using this educational modality was assessed using a single cohort pretest/posttest design. Outcome measures included user recruitment and retention rate, perceptions of educational value, and knowledge improvement. The differences between pre- and postmodule test scores and survey Likert scores were analysed using the paired t test. Results. Recruitment and retention rates were 90% and 65%, respectively. User-friendliness of the modules was rated highly. There was a significant improvement in perceptions of the value of WBL in the postsurvey. There was a significant knowledge improvement of 29% in the postmodule test. Conclusions. Feasibility studies can help guide appropriate use of WBL in curricula. While our study supported the potential feasibility of emergency airway management modules for training, collaboration with other anesthesia residency programs may enable more efficient development, implementation, and evaluation of this resource-intensive modality in anesthesia education and practice.
Highlights
Web-based learning (WBL) is increasingly used in medical education; residency training programs often lack guidance on its implementation
In order to examine the usefulness of WBL in enhancing emergency airway management training in our curriculum and guide further development, we assessed the feasibility of implementing WBL modules into the anesthesia curriculum with respect to user uptake, perceptions, and educational value
According to our feasibility criteria, the findings suggest that implementing interactive WBL emergency airway management modules in our anesthesia curriculum is “possibly feasible” as demonstrated by the recruitment and retention rates, user satisfaction, and evidence of educational value
Summary
Web-based learning (WBL) is increasingly used in medical education; residency training programs often lack guidance on its implementation. We describe how the use of feasibility studies can guide the use of WBL in anesthesia residency training. Two case-based WBL emergency airway management modules were developed for self-directed use by anesthesia residents. Outcome measures included user recruitment and retention rate, perceptions of educational value, and knowledge improvement. While our study supported the potential feasibility of emergency airway management modules for training, collaboration with other anesthesia residency programs may enable more efficient development, implementation, and evaluation of this resource-intensive modality in anesthesia education and practice. While learning theories can guide the pedagogical use of WBL, major barriers to implementation in residency include time, cost, and technical expertise requirements as well as inadequate learner and faculty uptake [20, 21]. Given the comparable educational outcomes of WBL and traditional methods [18, 19, 21], it is crucial to assess the feasibility [24] of WBL implementation in order to balance expense and educational benefits, especially for departments with limited resources
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