E-learning Course for Healthcare Professionals: Continuing Education for Idiopathic Scoliosis

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze the results of the e-learning course “Health promotion, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic scoliosis,” directed to the Italian healthcare professionals involved in idiopathic scoliosis management. The e-learning course, based on the problem-based learning methodology, was directed to health professionals previously enrolled to the University of Rome’s research project “Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic scoliosis: evaluation of skills acquired in health professionals through distance learning.” This study is focused on the analysis of the participant’s data. A significant improvement in knowledge (t = 17.2; p < 0.001) was found in participants’ scores from pre- and post-test. 80.1% of participants passed the final certification test. The final satisfaction questionnaire showed a high level of satisfaction among participants. Health professionals involved in idiopathic scoliosis management need adequate training, based on methods appropriate to their professional context. The e-learning course’s results are positive and in line with the project’s task; moreover, this confirms the validity of an active didactic approach such as the problem-based learning.