A Randomized-Controlled Trial Comparing Efficacy and User Satisfaction of Audio Podcasts Versus a Traditional Lecture on Multiple Sclerosis in Family Medicine Resident Education (P4.195)

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and user satisfaction of podcasts versus a traditional lecture in resident education. BACKGROUND: Podcasting technology has been increasingly adopted to enhance health education. Advantages include low implementation costs, positive user experiences, and effectiveness at meeting educational goals. We previously conducted a needs assessment survey amongst family medicine residents (n=77) and showed that 84[percnt] of family medicine residents indicated that they were either “very interested” or “somewhat interested” in listening to neurology podcasts. DESIGN/METHODS: In the current study, we randomized 2nd year family medicine residents (n=49) to either attend a formal lecture (n=25) or to listen to two podcasts (n=24) on multiple sclerosis. We used pre- and post-test scores of an exam marked by a blinded adjudicator to assess efficacy, and a 5-point Likert scale to assess satisfaction. RESULTS: There was low baseline knowledge about multiple sclerosis in both groups (the lecture group pre-test mean score was 13.9±3.2*/80 and the podcast group pre-test mean score was 16.9±3.2/80; P=0.20). Both groups improved significantly following the intervention, but the podcast group appeared to improve more as measured by the mean post-test scores (the lecture group improved by 41.7±1.6 to 55.7±4.2/80 and the podcast group improved by 49.8±1.5 to 66.7±2.6/80; P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the user satisfaction between the lecture and the podcast on a 5-pt Likert scale (4.45±0.44 in the lecture group versus 4.19±0.35 in the podcast group; P=0.37). The greater improvement on post-test scores in the podcast group was unexpected and may have been due to slower pacing in the podcast. In the podcast group, 100[percnt] were either “very interested” or “somewhat interested” in listening to further neurology podcasts. CONCLUSION: Overall our study demonstrates that podcasts are an effective tool in medical education with similar efficacy and user satisfaction to traditional lectures. *95[percnt] CI Disclosure: Dr. Brust has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cooke has nothing to disclose. Dr. Yeung has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec, Novartis, EMD Serono, and Teva Canada Innovation as a consultant and/or speaker.