A virtual learning environment to improve antibiotic stewardship in Dentistry

• Published in: International dental journal Vol. 71; pp. S46 - S47
• Main Authors: del Pilar Angarita Díaz, María, Cepeda, Lilia Jadith Bernal, Legarda, Leidy Bastidas, Escobar, Diana Forero, Avendaño, Angélica Ricaurte, Mercado, Martha Ligia Vergara, Herrera-Herrera, Alejandra, Paz, Martha Lucia Rodríguez, Matta, Sandra Viviana Cáceres, Fortich-Mesa, Natalia, Ochoa-Acosta, Emilia María, Vanegas, Youling Lorena Amortegui, Reina, Julian Eduardo Mora
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01-09-2021; Elsevier
• ISSN: 0020-6539; 1875-595X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.identj.2021.08.038

Optimizing usage of antibiotics is one of the most effective measures that minimize the emergence of antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to develop, implement, and measure the impact of a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) on Awareness, Attitudes and Intentions to practice (AAIs) regarding antibiotic prescription in Colombian dentists.
A VLE on antibiotic prescription in dentistry using multimedia resources and an animated character which challenged the participant through different learning moments, was designed. Then, a quasi-experimental multicenter study approved by the ethics subcommittee from the leader University (015-2018), with the participation of 206 dentists from 7 Colombian cities, was performed. To measure the VLE impact, AAIs were compared before and immediately after intervention through a validated questionnaire. Knowledge retention 6 months post-intervention was also assessed.
A significantly positive impact on the median of correct answers on AAIs and the level of knowledge (p<0.01, p<0.05) was found. At 6 months, the impact on the median of correct answers on awareness and intentions to practice remained high (p<0.01, p<0.05), however this was not the case for attitudes.
The VLE improved awareness and intentions to practice regarding antibiotic stewardship in dentistry; however, more strategies that positively impact attitudes and consciousness on prophylactic use of antibiotics are urgently needed.