Evaluation of a firearm injury prevention web-based curriculum.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Firearm injury prevention training is lacking in pediatric residency programs. DESCRIPTION This study aimed to evaluate a web-based curriculum teaching residents how to provide injury prevention anticipatory guidance, emphasizing firearm injury prevention. Ninety-two residents participated and completed pretesting. Residents in the intervention group completed the curriculum, posttesting, and 6-month follow-up testing. Residents in the nonintervention group completed 6-month follow-up testing. Pre- and posttest comparisons between and within each group were made. EVALUATION Baseline knowledge of the participants was high, and no significant change in knowledge was shown in either group. Changes in attitude were noted regarding physician role in providing firearm injury anticipatory guidance in the intervention group, which persisted at 6 months. Participants completing the curriculum showed significant improvement for all self-efficacy questions in the immediate and 6-month follow-up testing. CONCLUSIONS: Participants reported changes in attitudes and in confidence in their ability to provide firearm injury prevention counseling after completion of a web-based curriculum.