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.

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.…”

Percepções de estudantes sobre a telessimulação no ensino do cuidado à criança com estomia intestinal [Students’ perceptions of telesimulation in teaching care for children with intestinal ostomy] [Percepciones de los estudiantes sobre la telesimulación en la enseñanza de la atención a niños con ostomía intestinal]

“…Entretanto, o cenário do ensino em saúde teve importante transformação em 11 de março de 2020, quando o Diretor Geral da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) caracterizou a doença pelo coronavírus 2019 (Covid-19) como uma pandemia 9 . A partir desse momento, ocorreu, de forma sistemática, a suspensão de aulas práticas nas instituições de ensino superior em muitos países e houve a necessidade de reinventar e readequar os métodos de ensino e aprendizagem, investindo-se na utilização de aulas realizadas a distância e no uso de plataformas eletrônicas que promovessem a interação entre estudantes e docentes 10,11 .…”