Distance Education

We have introduced an e-learning platform in the medical department of the Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) in Malawi. With the support of computer-assisted instruction, we aimed to improve the quality of medical training and education, as well as access to current medical materials, in particular for interns. From March to April 2012, we conducted a qualitative evaluation to assess relevance and appropriateness of the e-learning platform. Data was collected via face-to-face interviews, a guided group discussion and a checklist based observation log. [from abstract]

Technology and distance learning can potentially enhance the efficient and effective delivery of continuing education to the public health workforce. These steps are discussed within the context of design practices in the fields of education, engineering, and public health. They incorporate key strategies from across these fields, including principles of programmatic design familiar to public health professionals, such as backward design. [from abstract]

In collaboration with the MEPI eLearning technical working group, CapacityPlus and the MEPI coordinating center organized and conducted a workshop to complete draft eLearning strategic plans for MEPI-supported institutions, share knowledge and experiences, and build a supportive network of eLearning collaborators. The workshop, which was held in Gaborone, Botswana, February 24–27, 2014, brought together representatives from 11 MEPI-supported schools and one MEPI consortium. [from publisher]

This is a case study which consists of describing the process of restructuring, developing and implementing the second version of the Virtual Course on Primary Health Care-based Pharmaceutical Services for managers (CVSERVFAPS-12). The ma
in objective is to strengthen the capacity of managers in pharmaceutical services, based on PHC at different levels of the health system, in order to support the restructuring and empowering of these services and, consequently, the health systems in the American region. [from abstract]

This pilot study, which followed a convenience sample of 37 Ethiopian nationals enrolled in a spaced education course over a six-month period, attempted to determine the acceptability and effectiveness of the methodology in a low-resource context. [from abstract]

This article studied the relation between medical student participant learning styles and participation in live and distance education and the value that participants place on these two methodologies. [adapted from abstract]

This report presents the results of an assessment of the use of distance learning to alleviate the shortage of health care workers in Tanzania. Its objectives include: determine the feasibility of and demand for distance learning in Tanzania to meet the current need for skilled and qualified health care workers; create a detailed inventory of distance learning programs; describe the training that distance learning could provide, and identify the potential cadres that could benefit from new or expanded distance learning programs. [adapted from author]

This integrative review of the literature provides an in-depth analysis of the effect that educational techniques, frequency, setting and mode of delivery have on health worker learning outcomes and subsequent practice behaviors. [adapted from introduction]

The aim of this study was to formatively evaluate a 12-week, completely online module from a South African university for medical specialists in their first year of training; assessing both the mode of delivery as well as the perceived effectiveness and usefulness. [adapted from abstract]

In the face of severe faculty shortages in resource-constrained countries, medical schools look to e-learning for improved access to medical education. This paper summarizes the literature on eLearning in low- and middle-income countries, and presents the spectrum of tools and strategies used. [from abstract]

This paper details the experience of developing an eLearning technology as a tool to implement competency-based medical education in Tanzania medical universities, inlcuding the background, early adoption attempts, challenges to implementation and lessons learned. [adapted from abstract]

The aim of this study was to determine whether the an online eLearning resource in addition to usual teaching improved the performance of practical skills in physiotherapy students. [adapted from abstract]

This paper gives an overview of the approaches, methods and materials used in a mobile-based educational platform designed to enable health care workers involved in HIV/AIDS care in urban peripheral stations in Peru to access the state-of-the-art in HIV treatment and care. [adapted from introduction]

This paper presents eLearning as a solution for strengthening human resources for health as well as organizational capacity of regional and local nongovernmental organizations in developing countries. [from abstract]

The overall objective of this study was to conduct a prospective, randomized controlled trial to evaluate the feasibility, implementation, and effectiveness of internet based training in cognitive behavioral therapy techniques for mental health providers, including a standardized telephone-delivered supervision method. [from author]

This analysis summarizes the effect of Internet-based instruction for health professions learners compared with no intervention and with non-Internet interventions. [from abstract]

In this study, qualitative analysis of learner feedback gathered from an online medical education curriculum was used to identify themes of learner feedback, and changes to the online curriculum in response to this feedback were tracked. Learner satisfaction and knowledge gains were then compared from before and after implementation of learner feedback. [from abstract]

This article presents the finding of a study to assess the feasibility, acceptabilty and effectiveness of short online courses for mental health professionals and service users. [adapted from author]

Virtual worlds are increasingly being explored as a support for education. The aim of this work was to study the suitability of Second Life as an educational tool for primary healthcare professionals. [from abstract]

This overview outlines how the growing trend in online learning can open up new perspectives and opportunities for Africa’s health professionals. [adapted from author]

This study aimed to assess whether the use of cell phone text messaging to improve access to continuing healthcare education in under-resourced settings is acceptable to South African midwives in both the public and private sectors. [adapted from author]

This study aimed to evaluate students’ learning outcomes from a redesigned eLearning version of the reproductive health section of a public health course, as measured by improved knowledge acquisition and opinions, and to assess e-course utilization. [adapted from abstract]

This article reports on a three week-long program of collaborative learning courses, in which 19 mental health professionals and 12 mental health service users participated. Data were analysed to consider the ways in which participants interacted, and how this contributed to the goal of online learning about using internet technologies for mental health practice. [adapted from abstract]

This report details an eLearning intervention for nurses in Kenya to improve the standards of nursing care by equipping enrolled nurses with the skills to manage new and re-emerging diseases, address the shortage of qualified nurses in Kenya, improve quality of care and achieve health-related Millennium Development Goals. [adapted from author]

This paper seeks to analyze the import of distance education for promotion of proficiency skills in the health sector and review ongoing professional development programmes for health workers in Ghana, and come out with strategies to offer training avenues leading to the professional growth of the individuals and economic growth of the country. [from abstract]

This document summarises findings of a global review whose aim was to identify patterns of success and impact, and outline likely trends in the nature and provision of distance learning for health in low and middle income countries, hence informing future policy, research and investment in distance learning for health workers. [from introduction]

The aims of this study are to show nurses’ perceptions of online continuing education and to determine perceptions of various groups; area groups, working companies, frequency of computer usage and age. [from abstract]

This paper discusses a key finding arising from a qualitative research project which explored the provision of educational support to clinical teachers who were at least 100 kilometres distant from a university medical school. [from abstract]

This article outlines the project to develop and evaluate a continuing medical education (CME) course aimed at improving healthcare provider knowledge about breast cancer health disparities and the importance of cross-cultural communication in provider-patient interactions about breast cancer screening. [from abstract]

This document summarises findings of a global review whose aim was to identify patterns of success and impact, and outline likely trends in the nature and provision of distance learning for health in low and middle income countries, hence informing future policy, research and investment. [from introduction]