Impact of a multimedia e-learning module on colon cancer literacy: a community-based pilot study.
BACKGROUND
We aimed to determine if an e-learning module could improve colon cancer literacy in a community-based cohort, while obtaining variability estimates for subsequent study.


METHODS
A convenience sample of subjects attending a health-education fair was surveyed to determine colon cancer literacy before-and-after viewing a colon cancer e-learning module. The difference in cancer literacy scores was assessed for significance using univariate analysis.


RESULTS
Twenty-two eligible subjects completed the survey: mean age 77.2+/-7.5 y, 55% women; 67% had at least some graduate-level education. Baseline colon cancer literacy was 72.6% +/- 11.6%; after the e-learning module, the mean colon cancer literacy score was 75.5% +/- 12.2%, representing a 3% improvement (P=0.33). After excluding a single problematic item identified by item analysis, the adjusted improvement was 7% (P=0.04). Invasiveness, malignant, and metastatic remained poorly understood concepts, while a large improvement (45%) was seen regarding the role of routine lymphadenectomy. Subject satisfaction with the module was universally (100%) high or very high.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of an e-learning module is associated with high patient satisfaction, and has potential to improve colon cancer literacy in laypersons. Randomized study is warranted to determine the incremental impact of this and other multimedia educational interventions.
Holubar
Stefan D
SD
Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Hassinger
J Peyton
JP
Dozois
Eric J
EJ
Wolff
Bruce G
BG
Kehoe
Michael
M
Cima
Robert R
RR
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D003625:Data Collection; D004521:Educational Measurement; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination; D008297:Male; D019212:Multimedia; D010865:Pilot Projects