title: Integrated approach to e-learning enhanced both subjective and objective knowledge of aEEG in a neonatal intensive care unit.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Various meta-analyses have shown that e-learning is as effective as traditional methods of continuing professional education. However, there are some disadvantages to e-learning, such as possible technical problems, the need for greater self-discipline, cost involved in developing programmes and limited direct interaction. Currently, most strategies for teaching amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) worldwide depend on traditional teaching methods.
  
  
  METHODS
  We implemented a programme that utilised an integrated approach to e-learning. The programme consisted of three sessions of supervised protected time e-learning in an NICU. The objective and subjective effectiveness of the approach was assessed through surveys administered to participants before and after the programme.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 37 NICU staff (32 nurses and 5 doctors) participated in the study. 93.1% of the participants appreciated the need to acquire knowledge of aEEG. We also saw a statistically significant improvement in the subjective knowledge score (p = 0.041) of the participants. The passing rates for identifying abnormal aEEG tracings (defined as ≥ 3 correct answers out of 5) also showed a statistically significant improvement (from 13.6% to 81.8%, p < 0.001). Among the participants who completed the survey, 96.0% felt the teaching was well structured, 77.8% felt the duration was optimal, 80.0% felt that they had learnt how to systematically interpret aEEGs, and 70.4% felt that they could interpret normal aEEG with confidence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An integrated approach to e-learning can help improve subjective and objective knowledge of aEEG.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, 11 Third Hospital Ave, Singapore 168751. poon.woei.bing@sgh.com.sg.
authors.forename: W B
authors.initials: WB
authors.lastname: Poon
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Tagamolila
authors.forename: Y P
authors.initials: YP
authors.lastname: Toh
authors.forename: Z R
authors.initials: ZR
authors.lastname: Cheng
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004496:Education, Continuing; D020375:Education, Distance / Q000379:methods*; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal; D020407:Internet; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D009359:Neonatology / Q000193:education*; D012640:Seizures / Q000175:diagnosis; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013663:Teaching; D055815:Young Adult
references.citation: Nurs Manag (Harrow). 2006 Oct;13(6):14-7
references.pmid: 17042357
references.citation: Curr Opin Anaesthesiol. 2006 Dec;19(6):645-9
references.pmid: 17093369
references.citation: Med Teach. 2008 Jun;30(5):474-89
references.pmid: 18576186
references.citation: Acad Med. 2010 May;85(5):909-22
references.pmid: 20520049
references.citation: Sao Paulo Med J. 2012;130(6):357-9
references.pmid: 23338731
references.citation: J Contin Educ Health Prof. 2004 Winter;24(1):20-30
references.pmid: 15069909
references.citation: Acad Med. 2006 Mar;81(3):207-12
references.pmid: 16501260
references.citation: J Contin Educ Nurs. 2006 Sep-Oct;37(5):225-32
references.pmid: 17004396
references.citation: Acad Med. 2011 Oct;86(10 Suppl):S12-6
references.pmid: 21955760
references.citation: Nurs Adm Q. 2003 Jan-Mar;27(1):29-32
references.pmid: 12674066