Baladas, Jeewadas A/L Velummylum Baladas
(2018)
A study on on-line education (e-learning) in advanced cardiac life support among health care professionals in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Masters thesis, Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION : ACLS is extensively practiced to equip health care professionals to
deal with cardiac related emergencies. E-learning provides a platform for easier
accessibility of learning materials and a more personalized learning schedule at a lower
overall cost. The aim of this study is to compare the outcome of e-learning ACLS (e-
ACLS) courses versus conventional ACLS (c-ACLS) courses and measure its
effectiveness among health care professionals in HUSM. This study also aims to
determine the attitude on e-learning among health care professionals in HUSM.
METHODS : A total of 96 candidates attended ACLS courses in Hospital Universiti
Sains Malaysia (HUSM) between 1st January 2016 and 30th May 2017. Fourty-eight
candidates were enrolled on a c-ACLS course and 48 on an e-ACLS course. Candidates
participating in c-ACLS course undertook the 2-day face-to-face course. Candidates
participating in e-ACLS course completed 6-8 hours of online e-learning lecture videos
prior to attending the one day modified face-to-face course. All candidates were assessed
by pre- and post-course MCQ and practical cardiac arrest simulation (CAS-test). Only
post course & CAS-test marks contributes to the pass or fail of the candidates.
Demographic data were collected in addition to assessment outcomes. RESULTS :
Candidates on the e-ACLS course had higher mean scores on the pre-course MCQ (69.1,
SD 19.1) compared to those on the c-ACLS course (58.6, SD 16.6, P<0.001). Similarly,
they had higher mean scores on the post-course MCQ (e-ACLS 78.9, SD 12.0 vs. c-ACLS
70.6, SD 13.9; P<0.001). The CAS-test pass rate on the e-ACLS course was higher thanthe pass rate on the c-ACLS course (95.8% vs. 87.5%; P=0.13). The overall pass rate was
93.8% for candidates in the e-ACLS versus 83.3% in c-ACLS courses (P=0.09). Majority
of candidates have a positive attitude towards e-learning and agreed that it could be used
as an adjunct to face-to-face instructor teaching.
CONCLUSION : The e-ACLS course demonstrates better results when compared to
traditional conventional face-to-face learning (c-ACLS) in equipping candidates with
ACLS skills. Added benefit occurs when considering increased candidate autonomy,
cost-effectiveness, decreased instructor burden and improved standardization of course
material. Further dissemination of the e-ACLS course should be encouraged in view of
the benefits.
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