Evaluation of the effectiveness of a computer-based learning (CBL) program in diabetes management.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effectiveness of a computer-based program (CBL) introduced to improve the clinical and patient history taking skills of clinical pharmacists in the area of diabetes management. This program involved a self-learning approach utilizing interactive digital videos, video simulations, and audio clips. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The present study compared the pre- and post-test results of two groups of final year pharmacy students. The study group used the CBL program and the control group was exposed to formal lectures and discussions. RESULTS: Eighty-three volunteers entered the present study. Forty-three were constituted into the study group, and forty acted as the control group. The overall results showed that the study group post-test scores in all basic knowledge areas were significantly higher than the control group (p = 0.001). Whereas, there was no statistical difference between groups in patient history taking skills (p = 0.645). Nevertheless, the post-test scores of SOAP writing skills in the study group were statistically higher than the control group (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Overall, the CBL program was considered effective in the development of basic knowledge of diabetes and in the improvement of patient history taking skills.

The development of a computer based learning (CBL) program in diabetes management.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a computer based learning (CBL) program in diabetes management for health care providers and academic staff MATERIAL AND METHOD: A CBL program was developed using "Authorware Professional ver. 6. 0" software. Content validation, computer background survey and investigation of the usability of the program, was conducted as part of the production of this program. The involved participants were university staff hospital care providers (e.g., doctors, nurses and pharmacists) and nursing & pharmacy students. RESULTS: Overall, the results were positive. Some limitations regarding computer background were revealed Few of the participants were familiar with self-learning materials. The usability of the CBL program was generally encouraging however some comments were made regarding program function, such as the duration of the program, and minor problems with the audiovisual effects. All comments were noted and addressed for future implementation. CONCLUSION: The CBL program was found to be a user-friendly, interactive multimedia program for diabetes management.