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

ABSTRACT

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.