EVALUATION OF A CD-ROM BASED TEACHING PROGRAM FOR FETAL CARDIAC ANOMALIES

R Benzie *, B Bonin †, R de Vermette †, N Kennedy*, L Salvador †
* Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Sydney, Nepean Hospital, Penrith NSW, Australia
† Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa Hospital (General Campus), Ontario, Canada

Abstract
Computer based applications are effective in medical training.
We aimed to test the validity and reliability of an educational CD-ROM in teaching sonographers fetal cardiac anomalies.
Methods
Thirteen sonographers in two teaching centers volunteered to participate.
Prior to studying the CD-ROM, all sat the examination consisting of 33 multiple choice questions and 32 True/False questions. The MCQs were based on image recognition. The group then systematically studied the program over an 8 week period and re-sat the examination.
Results
For both image recognition and factual knowledge components of the examination, there was a statistically significant improvement in results as judged by the Wilcoxon Paired Signed Rank Test, p = 0.001 for MCQ and p = 0.002 for T/F questions.
Conclusion
In this limited study a CD-ROM teaching program for fetal cardiac anomalies proved reliable and useful for teaching sonographers in two tertiary teaching centers.
Keywords
Fetal cardiac anomaly; CD-ROM based teaching program; sonographer education.

Citation
Benzie R, Bonin B, de Vermette R, Kennedy N, Salvador L. Evaluation of a cd-rom based teaching program for fetal cardiac anomalies. ASUM Bulletin 2002.2:28-29.