Evaluation of the effectiveness of a computer-based learning (CBL) program in diabetes management.
OBJECTIVE
Evaluate the effectiveness of a computer-based program (CBL) introduced to improve the clinical and patient history taking skills of clinical pharmacists in the area of diabetes management. This program involved a self-learning approach utilizing interactive digital videos, video simulations, and audio clips.


METHODS
The present study compared the pre- and post-test results of two groups of final year pharmacy students. The study group used the CBL program and the control group was exposed to formal lectures and discussions.


RESULTS
Eighty-three volunteers entered the present study. Forty-three were constituted into the study group, and forty acted as the control group. The overall results showed that the study group post-test scores in all basic knowledge areas were significantly higher than the control group (p = 0.001). Whereas, there was no statistical difference between groups in patient history taking skills (p = 0.645). Nevertheless, the post-test scores of SOAP writing skills in the study group were statistically higher than the control group (p = 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Overall, the CBL program was considered effective in the development of basic knowledge of diabetes and in the improvement of patient history taking skills.
Chaikoolvatana
Anun
A
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ubon Rajathanee University, Ubon Rajathanee, Thailand. kkjc5476@yahoo.com
Haddawy
Peter
P
D002983:Clinical Competence; D003142:Communication; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D035061:Control Groups; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004512:Education, Pharmacy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012655:Self-Evaluation Programs; D012984:Software; D013339:Students, Pharmacy; D013785:Thailand