@Article{info:doi/10.2196/mededu.7173,
author="Douma, Kirsten Freya Lea
and Aalfs, Cora M
and Dekker, Evelien
and Tanis, Pieter J
and Smets, Ellen M",
title="An E-Learning Module to Improve Nongenetic Health Professionals' Assessment of Colorectal Cancer Genetic Risk: Feasibility Study",
journal="JMIR Med Educ",
year="2017",
month="Dec",
day="18",
volume="3",
number="2",
pages="e24",
keywords="colorectal neoplasms; colorectal, neoplasms, hereditary nonpolyposis; adenomatous polyposis coli; genetic testing; gastroenterology; health communication; feasibility studies; education; professional",
abstract="Background: Nongenetic health providers may lack the relevant knowledge, experience, and communication skills to adequately detect familial colorectal cancer (CRC), despite a positive attitude toward the assessment of history of cancer in a family. Specific training may enable them to more optimally refer patients to genetic counseling. Objective: The aim of this study was to develop an e-learning module for gastroenterologists and surgeons (in training) aimed at improving attitudes, knowledge, and comprehension of communication skills, and to assess the feasibility of the e-learning module for continued medical education of these specialists. Methods: A focus group helped to inform the development of a training framework. The e-learning module was then developed, followed by a feasibility test among a group of surgeons-in-training (3rd- and 4th-year residents) and then among gastroenterologists, using pre- and posttest questionnaires. Results: A total of 124 surgeons-in-training and 14 gastroenterologists participated. The e-learning was positively received (7.5 on a scale of 1 to 10). Between pre- and posttest, attitude increased significantly on 6 out of the 10 items. Mean test score showed that knowledge and comprehension of communication skills improved significantly from 49{\%} to 72{\%} correct at pretest to 67{\%} to 87{\%} correct at posttest. Conclusions: This study shows the feasibility of a problem-based e-learning module to help surgeons-in-training and gastroenterologists in recognizing a hereditary predisposition in patients with CRC. The e-learning led to improvements in attitude toward the assessment of cancer family history, knowledge on criteria for referral to genetic counseling for CRC, and comprehension of communication skills. ",
issn="2369-3762",
doi="10.2196/mededu.7173",
url="http://mededu.jmir.org/2017/2/e24/",
url="https://doi.org/10.2196/mededu.7173",
url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29254907"
}