International Dental Journal (Sep 2021)

A virtual learning environment to improve antibiotic stewardship in Dentistry

  • María del Pilar Angarita Díaz,
  • Lilia Jadith Bernal Cepeda,
  • Leidy Bastidas Legarda,
  • Diana Forero Escobar,
  • Angélica Ricaurte Avendaño,
  • Martha Ligia Vergara Mercado,
  • Alejandra Herrera-Herrera,
  • Martha Lucia Rodríguez Paz,
  • Sandra Viviana Cáceres Matta,
  • Natalia Fortich-Mesa,
  • Emilia María Ochoa-Acosta,
  • Youling Lorena Amortegui Vanegas,
  • Julian Eduardo Mora Reina

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 71
pp. S46 – S47

Abstract

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Aim or Purpose: 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. Materials and Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusions: 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.