title: Examining uptake of online education on obstructive sleep apnoea in general practitioners: a randomised trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) affects up to 28 % of the adult population in Western countries. The detection and management of OSA by general practitioners (GPs) can be poor. The study aimed to examine what influence enhanced invitations had on uptake of on-line learning modules for OSA by GPs, and whether recent referrals of patients to sleep specialists influenced uptake.
  
  
  METHODS
  Practicing GPs in regional Australia were identified and randomised to receive either an enhanced or standard invitation letter to a new on-line education module for OSA. The enhanced letter included indication that the module was eligible for professional accreditation and described the prevalence and burden of sleep disorders. Some included extra emphasis if the GP had recently referred a patient for diagnostic investigation of OSA. Two reminder letters were sent.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 796 eligible GPs who received the letters, sixteen (2 %) accessed the website and four completed the modules over the four-month study period. GPs who received an enhanced invitation letter were not significantly more likely to access the website compared to GPs who received the standard invitation letter. Recent referral of a patient for diagnostic investigation was also not a significant factor in influencing use of the module.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  GP interest in on-line education about OSA appears low, and emphasis of relevant recent past patient(s) and the opportunity for professional education points was not successful in increasing engagement. There is a need to identify effective approaches to improving the detection and management of OSA in general practice.
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia. chris.paul@newcastle.edu.au.|Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2308, Australia. chris.paul@newcastle.edu.au.
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Paul
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.|Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2308, Australia.
authors.forename: Shiho
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rose
authors.affiliation: Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, John Hunter Hospital, Lookout Road, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia.|Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2308, Australia.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hensley
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
authors.forename: Jeffrey
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pretto
authors.affiliation: Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, 431 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe, NSW, 2307, Australia.|GP Education Committee, Australasian Sleep Association, Blacktown, Australia.
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hardy
authors.affiliation: School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.|Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2308, Australia.
authors.forename: Frans
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Henskens
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.|Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2308, Australia.
authors.forename: Tara
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Clinton-McHarg
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.|Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2308, Australia.
authors.forename: Mariko
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Carey
mesh_terms: D020375:Education, Distance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education*; D058005:General Practitioners / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy
keywords: Australia; Education; General practice; Obstructive; Professional; Sleep apnea; Sleep disorders