Controlled trial of effect of computer-based nutrition course on knowledge and practice of general practitioner trainees.
Nutrition education is not an integral part of either undergraduate or postgraduate medical education. Computer-based instruction on nutrition might be an attractive and appropriate tool to fill this gap.



The study objective was to assess the degree to which computer-based instruction on nutrition improves factual knowledge and practice behavior of general practitioner (GP) trainees.



We carried out a controlled experimental study, using a 79-item knowledge test and 3 incognito standardized patients' visits in a pre- and posttest design with 49 first-year GP trainees. The experimental group (n = 25) received an average of 6 h of a newly developed computer-based instruction on nutrition. The control subjects (n = 24) took the standard vocational training program.



The percentage of correct answers on the knowledge test increased from 30% at pretest to 42% at posttest in the experimental group, and from 36% to 37% in the control group. Analysis of covariance, with the pretest scores as covariate, showed a significant experimental versus control group difference at posttest: 9.2% (P = 0.002). The mean percentage of correctly performed items during the 3 standardized patients' visits (assessed by checklists) showed an increase in the experimental group from 20% at pretest to 36% at posttest, whereas the control group changed from 20% to 22%. Analysis of covariance, with the pretest scores as covariate, revealed a significant group difference at posttest: 13.7% (P < 0.001).



The computer-based instruction proved its effectiveness, both by increasing factual knowledge and by substantially enhancing GP trainees' practice behavior on the subject of nutrition.
Maiburg
Bas H J
BH
Department of General Practice, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands. bas.maiburg@hag.unimaas.nl
Rethans
Jan-Joost E
JJ
Schuwirth
Lambert W T
LW
Mathus-Vliegen
Lisbeth M H
LM
van Ree
Jan W
JW
D000328:Adult; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D004521:Educational Measurement; D006801:Humans; D052756:Nutritional Sciences / Q000193:education*; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000193:education*; D011364:Professional Practice