Adapting web-based instruction to residents' knowledge improves learning efficiency: a randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
Increased clinical demands and decreased available time accentuate the need for efficient learning in postgraduate medical training. Adapting Web-based learning (WBL) to learners' prior knowledge may improve efficiency.


OBJECTIVE
We hypothesized that time spent learning would be shorter and test scores not adversely affected for residents who used a WBL intervention that adapted to prior knowledge.


METHODS
Randomized, crossover trial.


METHODS
Academic internal medicine residency program continuity clinic.


METHODS
122 internal medicine residents.


METHODS
Four WBL modules on ambulatory medicine were developed in standard and adaptive formats. The adaptive format allowed learners who correctly answered case-based questions to skip the corresponding content.


RESULTS
The measurements were knowledge posttest, time spent on modules, and format preference. One hundred twenty-two residents completed at least 1 module, and 111 completed all 4. Knowledge scores were similar between the adaptive format (mean +/- standard error of the mean, 76.2 +/- 0.9) and standard (77.2 +/- 0.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] for difference -3.0 to 1.0, P = .34). However, time spent was lower for the adaptive format (29.3 minutes [CI 26.0 to 33.0] per module) than for the standard (35.6 [31.6 to 40.3]), an 18% decrease in time (CI 9 to 26%, P = .0003). Seventy-two of 96 respondents (75%) preferred the adaptive format.


CONCLUSIONS
Adapting WBL to learners' prior knowledge can reduce learning time without adversely affecting knowledge scores, suggesting greater learning efficiency. In an era where reduced duty hours and growing clinical demands on trainees and faculty limit the time available for learning, such efficiencies will be increasingly important. For clinical trial registration, see http://www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT00466453 ( http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00466453?order=1 ).
Cook
David A
DA
Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA. cook.david33@mayo.edu
Beckman
Thomas J
TJ
Thomas
Kris G
KG
Thompson
Warren G
WG
D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007388:Internal Medicine / Q000193:education*; D020407:Internet; D007396:Internship and Residency; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male