Effectiveness of a Heart Disease Blended Learning Program in Future Physiotherapy Professionals: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Abstract Background. Blended learning is a novel learning methodology. Purpose. To determine the effectiveness of a heart disease blended learning program in future physiotherapy professionals. Methods. 124 participants (average age 21.20 (SD=4.67) years, 58.87% female) performed an 8-week heart disease blended learning program that included face-to-face classes and online resources. Knowledge was assessed at baseline, at 4, 8, 12 and 20 weeks. Motivation and engagement were assessed at 4 and 8 weeks. Design of the instructions and learning behaviors were measured at 8 weeks. Results. Knowledge significantly increased mid-program (p=0.02), at the end of the program (p<0.001), at 12 weeks (p<0.001) and 20 weeks (p=0.001). After the intervention, a high intrinsic motivation was shown (5.60 (SD=0.80)) over 7), whilst extrinsic motivation scored 4.24 (SD=0.97) over 7. Finally, engagement (3.98 (SD=0.52) over 5), design of the instructions (4.15 (SD=0.62) over 5) and learning behaviors (70.51 (SD=36.08) downloads, 28.97 (SD=16.09) topics visited, and online questionnaires scored 7.67 (SD=1.60) over 10) reported adequate scores. Conclusion. This program seems to be an appropriate methodology in future physiotherapy professionals, since it improved knowledge and participants exhibited a high motivation and an adequate engagement, design of the program instructions and learning behaviors.