Case-Based On-Line Learning (CBOLL)
Funding Source: Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Background: Past literature has demonstrated that:
1. Local norms and opinion leaders are considered important to the process of dissemination for changing practice;
2. Opportunities available to busy family physicians for local continuing education are scarce; and
3. Internet applications are reportedly being used for a variety of tasks by family physicians but have had limited formal evaluation.
This study evaluates the effectiveness of an education intervention to improve family practice. An innovative on-line discussion group education program of evidence-based guidelines (a program which showed much promise in a feasibility study) is being tested in a randomized, controlled trial using physician practice behaviours as the outcome. The main hypothesis is that family physicians randomized to the on-line case-based learning (CBOLL) group will more frequently exhibit targeted evidence-based practice behaviours than family physicians allocated to the wait-list control group.
Outcome measures: Outcome data is being collected by masked (incognito) standardized patient visits to the family physicians' offices, a chart audit and a physician knowledge questionnaire.
For further information: Please contact Cathy Thorpe, Research Associate.
