Digital Learning to Improve Safe and Effective Prescribing: A Systematic Review

Overview

Journal Clin Pharmacol Ther

Publisher Wiley

Specialty Pharmacology

Date 2019 Jun 18

PMID 31206612

Citations 10

Authors

Michiel J Bakkum

Jelle Tichelaar

Anne Wellink

Milan C Richir

Michiel A van Agtmael

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

With the aim to modernize and harmonize prescribing education, the European Association for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (EACPT) Working Group on education recommended the extensive use and distribution of digital learning resources (DLRs). However, it is unclear whether the complex task of prescribing medicine can be taught digitally. Therefore, the aim of this review was to investigate the effect of diverse DLRs in clinical pharmacology and therapeutics education. Databases PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, ERIC, and CENTRAL were systematically searched. Sixty-five articles were included in the analyses. Direct effects on patients were studied, but not detected, in six articles. Skills and behavior were studied in 11 articles, 8 of which reported positive effects. Knowledge acquisition was investigated in 19 articles, all with positive effects. Qualitative analyses yielded 10 recommendations for the future development of DLRs. Digital learning is effective in teaching knowledge, attitudes, and skills associated with safe and effective prescribing.

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