title: Evaluation of a particle repositioning maneuver Web-based teaching module.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the pass rate of residents performing the Particle Repositioning Maneuver (PRM) after one of three interventions: 1) small group PRM instruction (SG); 2) standard classroom instruction (CI); and 3) Web-based learning module (WM). We hypothesize that our Web-based learning module is more effective than CI and as effective as SG.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective randomized control trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study population includes all family medicine residents at the University of Western Ontario. On day 0, all subjects were tested. Residents were then randomized to one of three intervention groups: 1) SG, 2) CI, or 3) WM. On day 7, the residents were again tested. Observers were blinded to the intervention type. Testing (day 0 and day 7) was performed using the DizzyFIX (Clearwater Clinical Ltd., London, Ontario, Canada), a pass/fail test, and evaluation by a trained observer (correct or incorrect).
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no statistically significant differences in pass rates between the three groups before the interventions (DizzyFIX: P = .2096, observer: P = .3710). After the interventions, DizzyFIX testing pass rates were 50.0% SG, 60.0% CI and 100.0% WM (P = .3564). Observer testing pass rates were 85.7% SG, 28.6% CI, and 83.3% WM (P = .0431).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study demonstrated that our Web-based learning module for the PRM is comparable to small-group clinical instruction, and superior to standard classroom instruction for teaching the PRM when evaluated by a trained observer.
authors.affiliation: Div. of Head and Neck Oncology/Reconstructive Surgery, Dept. of Otolaryngology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London Health Sciences Centre-Victoria Hospital, 800 Commissioners Road East, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Jason Atkins
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Beyea
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bromwich
authors.forename: W Wayne
authors.initials: WW
authors.lastname: Weston
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fung
mesh_terms: D001296:Audiovisual Aids; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education*; D005246:Feedback; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007396:Internship and Residency; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000193:education; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*; D014717:Vertigo / Q000628:therapy*