Micro-Learning for Knowledge Retention

Overseen By Benjamin H Levi, MD PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Disqualifiers: Younger than 18

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 2 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

12000 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how a special training program, iLookOut Micro-learning, can help early childhood professionals (ECPs) better retain information and change their behavior regarding child abuse and its reporting. The study will test whether ECPs and non-ECPs benefit similarly from this training. Participants will receive the Micro-Learning intervention at different times after completing core training. This trial may suit early childhood professionals or those interested in child protection. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to important research in child protection and education.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this micro-learning strategy is safe for early childhood professionals and non-ECPs?

Research has shown that the iLookOut Micro-learning program is generally safe for participants. This online, interactive course helps individuals who work with children learn to recognize and report child abuse. As it is purely educational and involves no physical procedures, it poses no health risks. Since 2013, the iLookOut Core Training has been in use without any reported problems. This indicates that participants can safely engage in the micro-learning sessions included in the study. Overall, the program aims to enhance knowledge and behavior, not provide medical treatments, making it a well-tolerated option for participants. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the iLookOut Micro-learning trial because it explores innovative ways to boost knowledge retention among participants. Unlike traditional methods that rely heavily on lengthy training sessions, this approach uses short, focused learning modules delivered at different intervals (immediately, 3, 6, or 9 months after core training). This staggered access allows for a comparison of how timing impacts knowledge retention. By finding the optimal timing for these micro-learning interventions, the trial seeks to enhance the effectiveness of training programs, potentially transforming how educational content is delivered in various fields.

What evidence suggests that this micro-learning strategy is effective for knowledge retention and behavior change in child abuse reporting?

Research has shown that the iLookOut Micro-learning program significantly enhances early childhood professionals' understanding of child abuse. Studies found a 61% increase in knowledge retention among participants. In this trial, participants will access the Micro-Learning intervention at varying intervals: immediately, or 3, 6, or 9 months after completing the Core Training. The training is especially beneficial for those with less initial knowledge. This program uses interactive online courses to help individuals working with children identify and prevent abuse. It aims to improve both understanding and behavior, making it a valuable tool for retaining and applying this crucial information. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals who are 18 years or older and work as early childhood professionals (ECPs), or non-ECPs interested in child abuse awareness and reporting. It's not open to anyone under the age of 18.

Exclusion Criteria

I am under 18 years old.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Core Training

Participants complete the iLookOut Core Training module online

1-2 weeks

Online access

Micro-Learning Intervention

ECP participants receive access to the Micro-Learning intervention at varying intervals (immediate, 3, 6, or 9 months) after completing the Core Training. Non-ECPs receive immediate access.

3-9 months

Online access

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for knowledge retention and behavior change regarding child maltreatment and its reporting

6 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• iLookOut Micro-learning

Trial Overview The study is testing if a program called iLookOut, which includes Core Training followed by Micro-Learning sessions, can help ECPs and non-ECPs remember what they've learned about child abuse and change their behavior towards reporting it.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: 3-month Active Control 1 Intervention

ECP participants who receive access to the Micro-Learning intervention 3 months after upon completing the Core Training.

Group II: 9-month Active Control 1 Intervention

ECP participants who receive access to the Micro-Learning intervention 9 months after upon completing the Core Training.

Group III: 6-month Active Control 1 Intervention

ECP participants who receive access to the Micro-Learning intervention 6 months after upon completing the Core Training.

Group IV: Non-ECPs Active Control 1 Intervention

Non-ECP participants

Group V: Immediate Active Control 1 Intervention

ECP participants who receive access to the Micro-Learning intervention immediately upon completing the Core Training.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

515

Recruited

2,873,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Microlearning has been shown to positively impact the knowledge and confidence of health professions students, enhancing their skills in procedures and collaborative learning, based on a review of 17 studies across various health disciplines.

Despite its benefits, challenges such as pedagogical discomfort, technology inequalities, and privacy concerns were noted, indicating the need for further research to explore higher-level outcomes and practical applications.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Microlearning in Health Professions Education: Scoping Review. De Gagne, JC., Park, HK., Hall, K., et al.[2020]

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) often lack sufficient knowledge about their condition and treatment options, leading to increased stress and healthcare costs.

Incorporating microlearning, spaced repetition, and periodic testing into CKD education can enhance both initial learning and long-term retention of important information for patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Using Learning Science to Optimize Chronic Kidney Disease Education for Patients and Providers. Maddox, T., Fitzpatrick, T., Chmielewski, C.[2022]

The Roozbehyar mobile application, designed for psychiatry clerkship training, significantly improved knowledge acquisition, as evidenced by higher final exam scores in the intervention group compared to the control group (p = 0.031).

Students reported above-average satisfaction with the content and learning aspects of the Roozbehyar application, although they rated the structural and support features below average, indicating areas for improvement.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Using a mobile application for psychiatry training in medical students: a quasi-experimental study. Zolfaghari, M., Shirzadi, S., Motamed, M.[2023]

The iLookOut training program significantly improved knowledge about child abuse among early childcare professionals, especially for those with lower baseline knowledge, indicating its effectiveness in enhancing understanding and reporting of abuse cases.

Implementation outcomes, such as the acceptability and appropriateness of the training, were crucial for knowledge gains, particularly for female learners and those with less formal education, suggesting that tailoring the training to different demographics could optimize its impact.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Identifying what works for whom: Implementation outcomes following iLookOut, a child abuse identification and referral training program. Barnett, WC., Panlilio, CC., Mullins, C., et al.[2023]

A study involving 26 employees from three older adult care organizations found that an app-based digital microlearning intervention significantly improved knowledge retention and work performance, particularly among younger and less experienced staff.

Participants reported high satisfaction with the app's ease of use and accessibility, indicating that digital microlearning could effectively address competency development needs in the care sector.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Digital Microlearning for Training and Competency Development of Older Adult Care Personnel: Mixed Methods Intervention Study to Assess Needs, Effectiveness, and Areas of Application. Richardson, MX., Aytar, O., Hess-Wiktor, K., et al.[2023]

A 52-week Microlearning curriculum on person-centered dementia care was successfully piloted in nine nursing homes, showing that staff appreciated the flexible access to training and found it helpful for applying their learning in real-time.

The training positively influenced staff knowledge and attitudes towards people with dementia, leading to increased job satisfaction, indicating that Microlearning could be an effective tool for enhancing care in nursing homes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Implementing Microlearning in Nursing Homes: Implications for Policy and Practice in Person-Centered Dementia Care. Inker, J., Jensen, C., Barsness, S., et al.[2021]

Combining microlearning with traditional eLearning formats can enhance participation in continuing medical education (CME) while still allowing for the measurement of knowledge and competence outcomes.

The study found that microlearning programs led to a slight increase in the completion of evaluation activities compared to traditional programs, highlighting the need for integrating evaluation methods into microlearning to effectively assess educational outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Increased Educational Reach through a Microlearning Approach: Can Higher Participation Translate to Improved Outcomes? Bannister, J., Neve, M., Kolanko, C.[2020]

Citations

1. reporter.nih.gov reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11163236

iLookOut for Child Abuse - NIH RePORTER Results from our parent randomized controlled trial show that the online iLookOut for Child Abuse (iLookOut) Core training significantly improves ECPs' ...

2. pure.psu.edu pure.psu.edu/en/projects/ilookout-for-child-abuse-micro-learning-to-improve-knowledge-rete-2

iLookOut for Child Abuse: Microlearning to Improve ... Child Abuse · 100% ; Toddlers · 69% ; Knowledge Retention · 61% ; Activity Learning · 57% ; Evidence-Based · 55%.

3. trialx.com trialx.com/clinical-trials/listings/292059/ilookout-micro-learning-to-improve-knowledge-retention/?&radius=10&place=Seoul,%20etc.&user_country=Korea,%20Republic%20of

iLookOut Micro-learning to Improve Knowledge Retention The primary purpose of this study is to understand the optimal timing to administer iLookOut Micro-Learning to boost ECPs waning knowledge and ...

4. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/micro-learning-for-knowledge-retention-4117c

Micro-Learning for Knowledge Retention The iLookOut training program significantly improved knowledge about child abuse among early childcare professionals, especially for those with lower baseline ...

5. ilookoutpa.org ilookoutpa.org/

| Welcome to the iLookOut for Child Abuse Project iLookOut provides online, interactive courses to help people who work with children protect them from abuse and support them and their families, ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10565203/

Implementation outcomes following iLookOut, a child ... The iLookOut Core Training is a free, online, evidence-based mandated reporter training. It was created in 2013–2014 by a multidisciplinary team ...

7. dvinci.com dvinci.com/portfolio/projects/ilookout-child-abuse

iLookOut for Child Abuse The iLookOut Curriculum and LMS provide a comprehensive learning solution for mandated reporters of child abuse in Pennsylvania.

8. headstart.gov headstart.gov/safety-practices/article/head-start-faqs-ilookout-child-abuse

Head Start FAQs on iLookOut for Child Abuse iLookOut provides an interactive, online professional development course for mandated reporters of child abuse. These FAQs answer questions about who should ...