Impact of a Multimedia e-Learning Module on Colon Cancer Literacy: A Community-Based Pilot Study

Background We aimed to determine if an e-learning module could improve colon cancer literacy in a community-based cohort, while obtaining variability estimates for subsequent study. Methods A convenience sample of subjects attending a health-education fair was surveyed to determine colon cancer lite...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of surgical research 2009-10, Vol.156 (2), p.305-311
Main Authors: Holubar, Stefan D., M.D, Hassinger, J. Peyton, B.S, Dozois, Eric J., M.D, Wolff, Bruce G., M.D, Kehoe, Michael, B.A, Cima, Robert R., M.D., M.A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Biological and medical sciences
colon cancer
Colonic Neoplasms
Computer-Assisted Instruction
Data Collection
e-learning
education
Educational Measurement
Educational Status
Female
Gastroenterology. Liver. Pancreas. Abdomen
General aspects
Health Education - methods
Humans
individualized medicine
Information Dissemination
Male
Medical sciences
Multimedia
patient literacy
Pilot Projects
Stomach. Duodenum. Small intestine. Colon. Rectum. Anus
Surgery
Tumors
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Summary:Background We aimed to determine if an e-learning module could improve colon cancer literacy in a community-based cohort, while obtaining variability estimates for subsequent study. Methods A convenience sample of subjects attending a health-education fair was surveyed to determine colon cancer literacy before-and-after viewing a colon cancer e-learning module. The difference in cancer literacy scores was assessed for significance using univariate analysis. Results Twenty-two eligible subjects completed the survey: mean age 77.2 ± 7.5 y, 55% women; 67% had at least some graduate-level education. Baseline colon cancer literacy was 72.6% ± 11.6%; after the e-learning module, the mean colon cancer literacy score was 75.5% ± 12.2%, representing a 3% improvement ( P = 0.33). After excluding a single problematic item identified by item analysis, the adjusted improvement was 7% ( P = 0.04). Invasiveness, malignant, and metastatic remained poorly understood concepts, while a large improvement (45%) was seen regarding the role of routine lymphadenectomy. Subject satisfaction with the module was universally (100%) high or very high. Conclusions Use of an e-learning module is associated with high patient satisfaction, and has potential to improve colon cancer literacy in laypersons. Randomized study is warranted to determine the incremental impact of this and other multimedia educational interventions.
ISSN:0022-4804
1095-8673
DOI:10.1016/j.jss.2009.03.099