Effectiveness of e-learning in continuing medical education for occupational physicians

TLDR

In clinical settings e‑learning has been shown to be comparable to traditional CME, but its effectiveness among occupational physicians has not yet been assessed. The study aimed to compare the impact of e‑learning versus lecture‑based learning on occupational physicians’ knowledge of mental health issues. A randomized controlled trial involving 74 occupational physicians at a postgraduate meeting measured knowledge before and immediately after an educational session delivered either via e‑learning or lecture. Both groups achieved significant knowledge gains, with no statistically significant difference between e‑learning and lecture‑based approaches, indicating that e‑learning is an effective alternative for CME of occupational physicians.

Abstract

Background Within a clinical context e-learning is comparable to traditional approaches of continuing medical education (CME). However, the occupational health context differs and until now the effect of postgraduate e-learning among occupational physicians (OPs) has not been evaluated. Aim To evaluate the effect of e-learning on knowledge on mental health issues as compared to lecture-based learning in a CME programme for OPs. Methods Within the context of a postgraduate meeting for 74 OPs, a randomized controlled trial was conducted. Test assessments of knowledge were made before and immediately after an educational session with either e-learning or lecture-based learning. Results In both groups, a significant gain in knowledge on mental health care was found (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the two educational approaches. Conclusion The effect of e-learning on OPs' mental health care knowledge is comparable to a lecture-based approach. Therefore, e-learning can be beneficial for the CME of OPs.