A virtual learning environment to improve antibiotic stewardship in Dentistry

• Main Authors: María del Pilar Angarita Díaz (Author), Lilia Jadith Bernal Cepeda (Author), Leidy Bastidas Legarda (Author), Diana Forero Escobar (Author), Angélica Ricaurte Avendaño (Author), Martha Ligia Vergara Mercado (Author), Alejandra Herrera-Herrera (Author), Martha Lucia Rodríguez Paz (Author), Sandra Viviana Cáceres Matta (Author), Natalia Fortich-Mesa (Author), Emilia María Ochoa-Acosta (Author), Youling Lorena Amortegui Vanegas (Author), Julian Eduardo Mora Reina (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Elsevier, 2021-09-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Aim or Purpose: Optimizing usage of antibiotics is one of the most effective measures that minimize the emergence of antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to develop, implement, and measure the impact of a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) on Awareness, Attitudes and Intentions to practice (AAIs) regarding antibiotic prescription in Colombian dentists. Materials and Methods: A VLE on antibiotic prescription in dentistry using multimedia resources and an animated character which challenged the participant through different learning moments, was designed. Then, a quasi-experimental multicenter study approved by the ethics subcommittee from the leader University (015-2018), with the participation of 206 dentists from 7 Colombian cities, was performed. To measure the VLE impact, AAIs were compared before and immediately after intervention through a validated questionnaire. Knowledge retention 6 months post-intervention was also assessed. Results: A significantly positive impact on the median of correct answers on AAIs and the level of knowledge (p<0.01, p<0.05) was found. At 6 months, the impact on the median of correct answers on awareness and intentions to practice remained high (p<0.01, p<0.05), however this was not the case for attitudes. Conclusions: The VLE improved awareness and intentions to practice regarding antibiotic stewardship in dentistry; however, more strategies that positively impact attitudes and consciousness on prophylactic use of antibiotics are urgently needed.

Item Description

0020-6539
10.1016/j.identj.2021.08.038