[Problem/case-based learning compared to lectures for acquiring knowledge of air embolism in continuing medical education].
OBJECTIVE
The efficacy of continuing medical education in anesthesiology has been examined very little. This study compared the efficacy of a lecture on air embolism to that of a class that used a problem/case-based learning approach.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized study enrolling 52 experienced anesthesiologists participating in a professional development course. Twenty-six anesthesiologists attended a lecture on air embolism in anesthesia and 25 attended a problem-based class. The objectives were the same for both groups and had been defined previously. The participants' knowledge was evaluated before and after the instruction with tests based on 2 cases dealing with the same knowledge areas: risk factors and symptoms, diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment.


RESULTS
No significant between-group differences were found for any of the knowledge areas before or after the classes. After instruction, participants who listened to the lecture improved their scores for knowledge of monitoring (P = .03) and treatment (P = .001). Participants in the problem-based learning group also improved their scores for knowledge of treatment (P = .003).


CONCLUSIONS
No between-group differences in participants' knowledge outcomes were detected; improvements were minimal. The study design allowed the knowledge acquired to be evaluated objectively.
Servicio de Anestesiología y Reanimación, Hospital Clínic, Universidad de Barcelona. ecarrero@clinic.ub.es
E J
EJ
Carrero
C
C
Gomar
N
N
Fábregas
W
W
Penzo
J
J
Castillo
A
A
Villalonga
D000328:Adult; D000776:Anesthesiology / Q000193:education*; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D018794:Problem-Based Learning; D012153:Retention, Psychology; D012494:Sampling Studies; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends