Virtual Learning Environment in Pediatric Rheumatology for Pediatric Residents

Abstract

Objective: To develop, implement and evaluate an online virtual learning environment (VLE) on pediatric rheumatology, aimed at pediatric residents, analyzing its effectiveness and satisfaction rates. Methods: A total of 92 first and second year pediatric residents at two pediatric reference centers were invited to participate in the study. Residents were randomized into a case group (that answered the pre-course test, attended the six virtual pediatric rheumatology modules, and then responded to the post-course test and a satisfaction questionnaire) and a control group (that only answered the pre-course test and, after 4 weeks, the post-course test). Results: Forty-seven residents (51%) completed their participation. In the case group (n=24), the mean percentage of correct answers was 14% higher on the post-course test (p<0.001). The number of correct answers was larger in the case group than in the control one (n=23) in the post-course test (p=0.045). In the assessment of satisfaction with VLE use, residents considered the site easy to navigate (91%), suitable as a learning tool (91%), and attractive in design (79%). They reported poor prior knowledge in pediatric rheumatology (91%) and agreed that there was good learning with the methodology (75%). Conclusions: The virtual learning environment in pediatric rheumatology proved to be an effective teaching tool with high satisfaction rates, providing pediatrician residents with adequate knowledge regarding the initial assessment and management of children with rheumatic diseases.

Use of a mobile platform in rheumatology by undergraduate medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Students' perception of which active teaching methodology had the greatest positive impact on learning after using the platform, Fortaleza (CE), Brazil, 2020-2021 (n = 71). a Brazilian study involving the development and application of a virtual learning environment in pediatric rheumatology for pediatric residents found a percentage of 75% of the responses when evaluating the tool as useful for teaching 10 .…”

“…The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) found that 68% of its members access social media for professional reasons, such as networking, searching for new research, acquiring new skills, and participation in online events 9 . In Brazil, an experimental, randomized, case-control study involving two pediatric centers evaluated an online virtual learning environment in pediatric rheumatology, aimed at pediatric residents, analyzing its effectiveness and satisfaction rates, observing that 75% of the participants agreed that a good level of learning could be achieved through the methodology 10 .…”

Attitudes toward pediatric rheumatology among residency‐trained pediatricians

“…These included virtual lectures and conferences on multiple platforms. 25,26 There is also an increasing trend toward using social media for teaching among healthcare professionals. 27 Online education resources and application materials in PR (e.g., the Paediatric Musculoskeletal Matters Online Portfolio) are freely available.…”

Assessment of Resident Knowledge in Pediatric Rheumatology

“…Similarly, a recent study from Brazil assessed the impact of a virtual learning environment in pediatric rheumatology on pediatric residents’ knowledge using a pre-test and post-test. 12 The researchers found that those who completed 6 virtual pediatric rheumatology modules had a higher improvement in test scores compared to residents who did not attend the modules. Residents also rated the virtual learning environment favorably.…”