LAUSR

OBJECTIVES Reduction in the number of gynecological operations has made resident training more difficult in gynecological surgery. We used electronic educational material to supplement traditional apprentice model in resident surgical education. Our aim was to evaluate effectiveness of a web-based course in knowledge gaining among residents with various levels of clinical experience. DESIGN In prospective interventional study, the level of knowledge was assessed before and after taking the course. SETTING All Finnish residents in obstetrics and gynecology were invited to participate. PARTICIPANTS Fifty-eight voluntary residents from all 5 University districts were allocated in 3 groups according to the experience. RESULTS Fifty-eight residents replied to the precourse questionnaire, and 33 (57%) of them filled in the postcourse questionnaire. Significant knowledge gain was detected in each experience group. In the less experienced group, the mean score (max: 110) increased from 81.9 to 89.3 (p = 0.009), in the middle group from 90.4 to 97.9 (p = 0.003), and in the most experienced group from 94.8 to 100.0 (p = 0.017). The participants rated the usefulness of the course as 4.8 in the Likert scale 1 to 5, and all intended to return to the course. CONCLUSIONS We found a significant increase in scores in every level of clinical experience. Thus, the course could be used as an educational tool.