Lecture versus Web Tutorial for Pharmacy Students' Learning of MDI Technique

OBJECTIVE: To compare pharmacy students' acquired knowledge and ability to assess metered-dose inhaler (MDI) technique after a traditional lecture versus a Web-based MDI technique tutorial. METHODS: All 42 third-year PharmD students completed a baseline MDI technique knowledge test and were then randomized into 1 of 3 groups. The Web group completed the tutorial on the college dispensing laboratory computers; the lecture group participated in the MDI technique excerpt of the asthma therapeutics lecture; and the control group participated in a 15-minute discussion of participants' hobbies. Afterward, participants in each group completed an identical MDI technique knowledge posttest. Students then observed a standardized mock patient perform MDI technique, documenting steps that were conducted incorrectly. MDI technique knowledge test and MDI technique evaluation test scores were compared between groups using repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the baseline MDI technique knowledge test scores between groups. The post-MDI technique knowledge test scores for the Web and lecture groups did not differ significantly (p = 0.38), and both were significantly different from the control group (p < 0.001). MDI technique knowledge scores increased significantly for the Web and lecture groups from pre- to post-assessment, but did not change for the control group. A 2-way repeated measures ANOVA analysis demonstrated no significant interaction of subject and group characteristics. The MDI technique evaluation scores for the Web and lecture groups were not significantly different (p = 0.50), and both were significantly different from the control group (p </= 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The Web-based MDI technique tutorial was as effective as the standard lecture format in pharmacy students acquiring knowledge of MDI technique and in evaluating a mock-patient exhibiting incorrect MDI technique. Further testing is required to assess the longitudinal effect of the program.