Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Computer-Based Learning (CBL) Program in Diabetes Management
Anun Chaikoolvatana PhD*, Peter Haddawy PhD**
Affiliation : * Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ubon Rajathanee University, Ubon Rajathanee, Thailand ** Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand
Objective : Evaluate the effectiveness of a computer-based program (CBL) introduced to improve the clinical
and patient history taking skills of clinical pharmacists in the area of diabetes management. This program
involved a self-learning approach utilizing interactive digital videos, video simulations, and audio clips.
Materials and Methods : The present study compared the pre- and post-test results of two groups of final year
pharmacy students. The study group used the CBL program and the control group was exposed to formal
lectures and discussions.
Results : Eighty-three volunteers entered the present study. Forty-three were constituted into the study group,
and forty acted as the control group. The overall results showed that the study group post-test scores in all
basic knowledge areas were significantly higher than the control group (p = 0.001). Whereas, there was no
statistical difference between groups in patient history taking skills (p = 0.645). Nevertheless, the post-test
scores of SOAP writing skills in the study group were statistically higher than the control group (p = 0.001).
Conclusion : Overall, the CBL program was considered effective in the development of basic knowledge of
diabetes and in the improvement of patient history taking skills.
Keywords : SOAP note writing, Patient profile, Patient history taking
