A randomised controlled trial of eLearning and virtual patient simulation for early diagnosis of cerebral palsy
Purpose of the Study
Guidelines alone do not change practice. There is an identified need for implementation research targeting the early diagnosis of cerebral palsy and evaluation of its real-world effectiveness. Change in practice is required for physicians in key diagnostic behaviours. This study aims to increase accurate physician diagnosis of cerebral palsy before six months of age through tailored eLearning interventions.
eLearning interventions using virtual patients and interactive videos have been developed to enable physician early diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Two types of eLearning instructional designs have been developed underpinned by multiple theoretical frameworks of physician behaviour change and learning. Both designs integrate virtual patients and authentic immersion using interactive videos, continuous assessment and a bank of key-feature practice cases. This study aims to test the effectiveness of the eLearning interventions on physician clinical decision-making skills and target behaviours in the early diagnosis of cerebral palsy. The effect of change in physician clinical decision-making skills and behaviours on the age of diagnosis of cerebral palsy, access requests to the National Disability Insurance Scheme and referrals to the Cerebral Palsy Registers in states and territories will be evaluated.
Eligibility
- Paediatricians
- Australian residents
To Participate
- Open survey instructions
- Consent to study
If you would like to participate in this study, please complete the first survey.
Investigators
- Professor Iona Novak, The University of Sydney
- Associate Professor Karen Scott, The University of Sydney
- Professor Roslyn Boyd, The University of Queensland
- Dr Lynda McNamara, The University of Sydney Children’s Hospital Westmead Clinical School
Funding
Lynda McNamara is in receipt of NHMRC Postgraduate Scholarship funding and The Australasian Cerebral Palsy Clinical Trials Network PhD Top-Up Scholarship to complete this project. The Cerebral Palsy Alliance has funded the development costs of eLearning.
Research Collaborations
National Disability Insurance Agency
For further information please contact: lmcn0957@uni.sydney.edu.au.