TY  - JOUR
AU  - Douma, Kirsten Freya Lea
AU  - Aalfs, Cora M
AU  - Dekker, Evelien
AU  - Tanis, Pieter J
AU  - Smets, Ellen M
PY  - 2017
DA  - 2017/12/18
TI  - An E-Learning Module to Improve Nongenetic Health Professionals’ Assessment of Colorectal Cancer Genetic Risk: Feasibility Study
JO  - JMIR Med Educ
SP  - e24
VL  - 3
IS  - 2
KW  - colorectal neoplasms
KW  - colorectal, neoplasms, hereditary nonpolyposis
KW  - adenomatous polyposis coli
KW  - genetic testing
KW  - gastroenterology
KW  - health communication
KW  - feasibility studies
KW  - education
KW  - professional
AB  - 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. 
SN  - 2369-3762
UR  - http://mededu.jmir.org/2017/2/e24/
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2196/mededu.7173
UR  - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29254907
DO  - 10.2196/mededu.7173
ID  - info:doi/10.2196/mededu.7173
ER  -