Using e-learning for maintenance of ALS competence.
BACKGROUND
A well-suited e-learning program might be a feasible strategy to maintain competence following a resuscitation course.


OBJECTIVE
This study had 2 aims: (1) to examine the effect of an e-learning program as a booster of competence acquired from an Advanced Life Support (ALS) course. (2) To identify factors related to the use of the e-learning program.


METHODS
The study contained two parts pertaining to the two aims. The first part was a prospective single blinded randomised controlled study on junior doctors. The intervention was the monthly use of an e-learning program during one year and effect was measured as ALS-competence, a composite of a knowledge and skills test. The second part was a telephone interview of the intervention group. An interview guide was constructed based on existing knowledge of e-learning. In order to identify factors explaining the use of e-learning a univariate correlation was used to select significant variables to be included in a multiple regression analysis.


RESULTS
Of the 134 invited to participate, 103 accepted the invitation. There were 79/103 (77%) participants, 40/51 in the intervention group and 39/52 in the control group. There was no difference between the groups with regards to ALS competence. Only 'social interaction' was an individually significant factor influencing the use of the e-learning program.


CONCLUSIONS
This study did not demonstrate an effect of an e-learning program as a booster of competence acquired from an ALS course. The primary factor influencing the use of e-learning was the lack of social interaction.
Jensen
Morten Lind
ML
Centre for Clinical Education, Copenhagen University and Capital Region, Rigshospitalet, Denmark. morten.lind.jensen@gmail.com
Mondrup
Frederik
F
Lippert
Freddy
F
Ringsted
Charlotte
C
D000328:Adult; D022561:Advanced Cardiac Life Support / Q000193:education*; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D003718:Denmark; D020375:Education, Distance / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015203:Reproducibility of Results