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


OBJECTIVE
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Hugenholtz
Nathalie I R
NI
Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. n.i.hugenholtz@amc.uva.nl
de Croon
Einar M
EM
Smits
Paul B
PB
van Dijk
Frank J H
FJ
Nieuwenhuijsen
Karen
K
D002983:Clinical Competence; D020375:Education, Distance / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D009787:Occupational Medicine / Q000193:education*; D015397:Program Evaluation