title: Evaluation of a Web Course on the Basics of Gynecological Laparoscopy in Resident Training.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Reduction in the number of gynecological operations has made resident training more difficult in gynecological surgery. We used electronic educational material to supplement traditional apprentice model in resident surgical education. Our aim was to evaluate effectiveness of a web-based course in knowledge gaining among residents with various levels of clinical experience.
  
  
  METHODS
  In prospective interventional study, the level of knowledge was assessed before and after taking the course.
  
  
  METHODS
  All Finnish residents in obstetrics and gynecology were invited to participate.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-eight voluntary residents from all 5 University districts were allocated in 3 groups according to the experience.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty-eight residents replied to the precourse questionnaire, and 33 (57%) of them filled in the postcourse questionnaire. Significant knowledge gain was detected in each experience group. In the less experienced group, the mean score (max: 110) increased from 81.9 to 89.3 (p = 0.009), in the middle group from 90.4 to 97.9 (p = 0.003), and in the most experienced group from 94.8 to 100.0 (p = 0.017). The participants rated the usefulness of the course as 4.8 in the Likert scale 1 to 5, and all intended to return to the course.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We found a significant increase in scores in every level of clinical experience. Thus, the course could be used as an educational tool.
authors.affiliation: Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hyvinkää Hospital, University of Helsinki, Hyvinkää, Finland. Electronic address: ewa.jokinen@hus.fi.
authors.forename: Ewa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Jokinen
authors.affiliation: Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
authors.forename: Tomi S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Mikkola
authors.affiliation: Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
authors.forename: Päivi
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Härkki
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007396:Internship and Residency; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000193:education*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Medical Knowledge; Patient Care; Practice-Based Learning and Improvement; e-learning; laparoscopy; resident education; surgical education; theoretical knowledge