The need to increase the number of clinicians who incorporate folic acid counseling for patients, and their often limited time to train in this area, prompted us to develop a Web-based instruction about folic acid and its role in preventive medicine.
A multidisciplinary group from the Universities of Florida and South Florida collaborated to produce the instruction. Learners complete an online pre test to assess knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, then proceed to program content, which includes (1) prevention of birth defects, (2) genetic polymorphisms affecting folic acid status, (3) nutrient-drug interactions affecting folic acid status, and (4) associations between folic acid, cardiovascular disease and cancers. External links enable access to relevant Internet sites and pre-formed MEDLINE queries. The module also includes downloadable brochures and recipes for foods rich in folic acid for patient education. Participants can navigate through screens in menu sequence, or any order they choose. Completion of the program involves a post-instruction test to re-assess knowledge of dosage, risk factors, and drug interactions. A score of 85% or higher is the competency criterion.
148 medical students from three Florida medical schools have completed the instruction. 35% of participants take folic acid daily. On the pre-test, over three-fourths of participants did not achieve a passing score. Knowledge gain was demonstrated in the post-test as nearly three-fourths (74%) achieved a score >85%. A high percentage maintain competency in a retention test 6-8 weeks post-instruction. Participants have found the program to be well organized, and a valuable preparation for clinical practice.
See fbdr.med.usf.edu/folicmed/lv/Learning Objectives: During this session, participants will be able to: 1) Recognize how we have used folic acid training as a successful prototype for Internet-based medical education in MCH nutrition, 2) Describe how to use simple online data gathering to evaluate the effectiveness of Web-based instruction in MCH nutrition, and 3) Articulate the components of the Folic Acid Guide for Physicians and lessons learned during formative research and during development of the program.
Keywords: Birth Defects, Nutrition
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.