Digital learning designs in physiotherapy education: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract

Background: Digital learning designs have the ability to support teaching and learning within higher education. However, the research on digital learning designs within physiotherapy education is limited. This study aims to identify and investigate the effectiveness of digital learning designs in physiotherapy education.Methods: The study was designed as a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and non-randomized trials. A search of eight databases on digital learning designs and technology was conducted. Study selection, methodology and quality assessment were performed independently by three reviewers. The included studies were mapped according to the types of digital interventions and studies. For similar interventions, the learning effects were calculated using meta-analyses.Results: Altogether, 22 studies were included in the review (17 randomized controlled trials and five cohort studies). A blended learning design was used in 21 studies, a flipped classroom model in five and a distance learning design in one. Altogether, 10 of the 22 articles were included in meta-analyses, which showed statistically significant effects for flipped classrooms on knowledge acquisition (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.20, 0.62) and for interactive websites or applications (apps) on practical skills (SMD: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.71,1.43). The meta-analysis of different interactive websites/apps on knowledge acquisition favoured traditional teaching (SMD: 0.51; 95% CI:-0.80,1.82), but this was not statistically significant. Overall, the effects indicated that blended learning designs are equally as or more effective than traditional classroom teaching to achieve learning outcomes. Distance learning showed no significant differences compared to traditional classroom teaching.Conclusions: The results indicate that digital learning designs in the form of blended learning and distance learning were equally or more effective compared to traditional teaching in physiotherapy education. The meta-analysis revealed a significant effect on student learning in favour of flipped classrooms and interactive websites/apps. However, these results must be confirmed in larger controlled trials. Further, research should investigate how digital learning designs can facilitate students’ learning of practical skills and behaviour, learning retention and approaches to studying as well as references for teaching and learning in digital learning environments.