Development, Feasibility, and Knowledge Impact of a Massive Open Online Course on Radiation Safety: A Multicentric Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study reports the development of an innovative, interactive Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) teaching radiation safety principles in the vascular workplace, using stepwise e-learning with multiple choice question tests (MCQs), educational videos, and a serious game. The aim was to study the MOOC impact on radiation safety knowledge and assess its feasibility and acceptability.

METHODS: An international multicentre prospective study included team members active in the hybrid operating room. The MOOC was offered voluntarily via a secured online learning platform. A standardised MCQ test (15 questions) assessed radiation safety knowledge pre- and post-course (range 0 - 100%). Acceptability and feasibility were tested via the previously validated evaluating e-learning system success (EESS) model, using five point Likert scales.

RESULTS: In eight centres across four countries, 150 out of 203 invited endovascular team members consented. Over a seven week study period, surgeons (28%, including vascular surgery trainees and consultants), nurses (27%, including scrub/circulating and anaesthesiology nurses), anaesthesiologists (43%, including trainees and consultants), and radiographers (3%) participated. Of those, 67% completed the course. The average radiation knowledge improved by 22.8% (95% CI 19.5 - 26.0%; p < .001) after MOOC completion, from 48 to 71% (standard deviation [SD] 14 and 15% respectively), requiring a mean time investment of 169 minutes (SD 89 minutes). In centres with a radiographer, mean knowledge gain after MOOC completion was significantly smaller (14%, SD 19% vs. 24%, SD 16%, p = .036). The course was deemed feasible and acceptable according to the EESS model with a total mean score of 3.68/5.

CONCLUSION: This newly developed, multimodal MOOC was deemed feasible and effective across multiple international centres. The MOOC significantly contributes to radiation safety education of the entire endovascular team, improving radiation safety knowledge. The course may optimise workplace radiation safety behaviour and therefore enhance team and patient safety.