An interactive computer program for teaching residents pap smear classification, screening and management guidelines: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility, utility and resident attitudes towards an interactive, Web-based computer learning program. STUDY DESIGN: Pretest/ posttest evaluation of an interactive curriculum to teach current recommendations for cervical cancer screening and classification and management of abnormal Pap smears. Thirty-five Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/ GYN) residents were encouraged to complete a Web-based computer program that consisted of a pretest, 9 educational sections (3 didactic and 6 case based), a posttest and an exit survey. Clinical cases involved virtual case management of patients' cytologic, histologic and colposcopic images. Mastery was set at 82% (or 23/28 correct answers). RESULTS: Thirty-one of the 35 residents (89%) completed the curriculum. No resident demonstrated mastery (82%) on the pretest; 15 of 31 residents demonstrated mastery on the posttest (p = 0.04). Mean improvement for all residents was 9 additional questions answered correctly. All the residents thought that the Web site was useful and covered all the learning objectives and would recommend it to other residents. CONCLUSION: A program to teach current cervical cancer screening, classification and abnormal Pap smear management guidelines was useful, feasible and well accepted by residents in this population.