Difference in postcourse knowledge and confidence between Web-based and on-site training courses on resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta.

Aim: Effective courses are essential for highly invasive procedures such as resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta. However, the coronavirus disease pandemic has forced the postponement of on-site educational courses due to transmission concerns. Few studies have examined the effectiveness of Web-based education in highly invasive procedures. To address this knowledge gap, this study aimed to investigate whether knowledge acquisition and confidence after the Web-based course are different from those acquired after the on-site course, using pre- and postcourse test scores.

Methods: The increase in scores before and after the course was compared between the on-site and Web-based courses. The questions reflected knowledge about seven different topics in the course modules. In addition, participants were asked about their self-rated confidence about three topics before and after the course.

Results: Thirty learners completed the on-site course, and 21 learners completed the Web-based course. Forty-seven learners completed both the precourse and postcourse tests. In both courses, the difference between the precourse and postcourse test scores showed a statistically significant increase in knowledge (on-site course: increased score, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 0.8 to 2.8; Web-based course: increased score, 1.6, 95% confidence interval, 0.5 to 2.5). However, the difference was not statistically significant in the self-rated confidence scores about "sheath and catheter removal" among learners of the Web-based course.

Conclusion: Knowledge increased significantly in both the on-site and Web-based courses. However, the Web-based course might not be sufficient to give learners confidence in the procedures.