Computer-Assisted Instruction in Aids Infection Control for Physicians

A program to provide health care workers instruction in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) infection control was developed to run on IBM microcomputers. This program can be used by individuals with no computer experience. It was assessed by medical resident physicians who were randomized into a control and an experimental group. A 48-item true-false test on AIDS knowledge was administered to both groups. The experimental group completed a questionnaire on their views of CAI. The mean knowledge score for the control group (n = 33) was 35.9 (SD = 3.9), whereas the mean knowledge score for the experimental group (n = 24) was 42.4 (SD = 4.6), a statistically significant difference (p <.001). Questionnaire responses indicated that the physicians viewed the computer program as easy to use and as an effective educational tool that they would recommend to colleagues. Most preferred CAI to printed presentation of the material. The results of this study suggest that CAI may be a useful instructional method for updating physicians’ knowledge of AIDS infection control.