Evaluation of the effectiveness of an Internet-based continuing education program on pharmacy-based minor ailment management: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of an internet-based continuing education (CE) program on pharmacy-based minor ailment schemes (PMASs). A controlled randomized clinical trial was conducted in community pharmacies in Brazil. Community pharmacists (CPs) were enrolled in two groups: intervention (n = 61) and control (n = 60). CPs who were enrolled to the intervention group participated in an Internet-based CE program. CPs in the control group received no educational intervention. We evaluated participant perception, learning outcomes, and practice performance. Learner satisfaction with the CE program was high for every point evaluated (mean ± standard deviation = 4.2 ± 0.4). Posttest learner outcome scores and practice performance in the intervention group after the conclusion of the CE program significantly improved compared with pretest scores (p < 0.001) and were significantly better compared with the control group (p < 0.001). The present Internet-based CE program is a viable educational strategy for improving participant perception, learning outcomes, and practice performance in PMASs.Uniterms: Continuing education. Internet-based continuing education. Drugs/nonprescription. Community pharmacy.O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a efetividade de um programa de educação continuada (EC) à distância, relacionado ao gerenciamento clínico de problemas autolimitados de saúde em farmácias comunitárias. Realizou-se um ensaio clínico controlado randomizado em farmácias comunitárias no Brasil. Os farmacêuticos comunitários foram alocados em dois grupos: intervenção (n = 61) e controle (n = 60). Os farmacêuticos comunitários do grupo intervenção participaram de um programa de EC à distância. Os farmacêuticos comunitários do grupo controle não receberam intervenção educativa. A percepção dos participantes, os resultados de aprendizagem e hábitos de prática foram avaliados. A satisfação dos estudantes com o programa de CE foi elevada em todos os momentos avaliados (média ± desvio padrão = 4,2 ± 0,4). Os escores de aprendizagem e prática aumentaram significativamente ao final do estudo em relação ao início do estudo (p < 0,001) e foram significativamente melhores que os do grupo controle (p < 0,001). O presente programa de EC à distância é uma estratégia educacional viável para melhorar a percepção dos participantes, os resultados da aprendizagem e hábitos de prática relacionados ao gerenciamento clínico de problemas autolimitados de saúde em farmácias comunitárias.Unitermos: Educação continuada. Educação à distância. Medicamentos/sem prescrição. Farmácia comunitária. INTRODUCTIONMinor ailments are defined as "common or selflimiting or uncomplicated conditions which can be diagnosed and managed without medical intervention" (e.g., cold, cough, and indigestion) (Pray, 2005). Minor ailments are responsible for a substantial part of healthcare expenditures. For example, up to 18% of the general practice workload in the United Kingdom (UK) is estimated to be related to minor ailments, at a cost of £2 bi...

Expanding horizons for the future with an open educational model for complex thinking: external and internal validation

“…In education, validation is pivotal for ensuring program quality and effectiveness. External validation involves assessment by external agents who analyze the program based on various criteria, while internal validation focuses on evaluating the internal elements of a model or program (Obreli-Neto et al, 2016). Kimmons and Hall's (2018) study exemplifies this process, validating technology-incorporated models through expert-teacher evaluation and determining user acceptance.…”

“…In education, validation is pivotal for ensuring program quality and effectiveness. External validation involves assessment by external agents who analyze the program based on various criteria, while internal validation focuses on evaluating the internal elements of a model or program (Obreli-Neto et al. , 2016).…”