Journal article
eLearning improves allied health professionals' knowledge and confidence to manage medically unexplained chronic fatigue states: A randomized controlled trial
Journal of Psychosomatic Research, Vol.173, pp.1-9
2023
PMID: 37619433
Abstract
Objectives
To evaluate the impact of eLearning by allied health professionals on improving the knowledge and confidence to manage people with medically unexplained chronic fatigue states (FS).
Methods
Using a parallel randomized controlled trial design, participants were randomized 1:1 to a 4-week eLearning or wait-list control group. Knowledge and self-reported confidence in clinical skills to implement a therapeutic intervention for patients with FS were assessed at baseline, post-intervention and follow-up. Secondary outcomes (adherence and satisfaction with online education, knowledge retention) were also assessed. Data was analyzed using intention-to-treat.
Results
There were 239 participants were randomized (eLearning n = 119, control n = 120), of whom 101 (85%) eLearning and 107 (89%) control participants completed baseline assessments and were included in the analysis. Knowledge (out of 100) improved significantly more in the eLearning group compared to the control group [mean difference (95% CI) 8.6 (5.9 to 11.4), p < 0.001]. Knowledge was reduced in the eLearning group at follow-up but was still significantly higher than baseline [6.0 (3.7 to 8.3), p < 0.001]. Median change (out of 5) in confidence in clinical skills to implement the FS intervention was also significantly greater in the eLearning group compared to the control group [knowledge: eLearning (1.2), control (0); clinical skills: eLearning (1), control (0.1); both p < 0.001)]. Average time spent on the eLearning program was 8.8 h. Most participants (80%) rated the lesson difficulty as at the “right level”, and 91% would recommend it to others.
Conclusions
eLearning increased knowledge and confidence to manage FS amongst allied health professionals and was well-accepted.
Registration: ACTRN12616000296437 https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=370222&isReview=true.
Details
- Title
- eLearning improves allied health professionals' knowledge and confidence to manage medically unexplained chronic fatigue states: A randomized controlled trial
- Authors
- Matthew D. Jones - UNSW SydneySally M. Casson - UNSW SydneyBenjamin K. Barry - The University of QueenslandSophie H. Li - UNSW SydneyTrinidad Valenzuela - The University of SydneyJoanne Cassar - UNSW SydneyCamillo Lamanna - UNSW SydneyAndrew R. Lloyd - UNSW SydneyCarolina X. Sandler (Corresponding Author) - Griffith University
- Publication details
- Journal of Psychosomatic Research, Vol.173, pp.1-9
- Publisher
- Elsevier Inc.
- Date published
- 2023
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2023.111462
- ISSN
- 1879-1360
- PMID
- 37619433
- Copyright note
- © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/bync-nd/4.0/)
- Grant note
- This work was supported by JJ Mason & HS Williams Memorial Foundation [Grant number: MAS2015F040]. CXS is supported by a Cancer Institute New South Wales Early Career Fellowship [2021/ECF1310].
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Sports & Exercise Science
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991225013202621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Psychiatry