Adult learning style influence on competency in parenteral nutrition: A comparison between printed nutrition support manual and computer-aided instruction

Health care costs continue to escalate at an alarming rate. Health care organizations, administrators and professionals are seeking methods to contain costs while maintaining or improving the quality of care provided. One method is the use of generalists to perform duties typically undertaken by a specialist. Another is to utilize technological resources to the fullest capacity. To assure quality of care in new roles, proper training of individuals is essential. A key factor in obtaining positive learner outcomes is the use of appropriate learning methods.This study investigated whether learning style preference influenced competency about parenteral nutrition support using two learning methods a printed manual versus an interactive computer software program. The small sample size did not meet the necessary threshold to infer statistical significance. Results indicated that regardless of preferred adult learning style, pharmacists perform equally well by either lecture and printed manual or by computer-aided instruction.