scholarly journals Global e-Learning in Early Nutrition and Lifestyle for International Healthcare Professionals: Design and Evaluation of the Early Nutrition Specialist Programme (ENS)

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 775
Author(s):  
Brigitte Brands ◽  
Ngoc Nhan Tran ◽  
Erin Baudendistel-Happ ◽  
Marina Sanchez-Garcia ◽  
Martin R. Fischer ◽  
...  

Background: Every encounter a healthcare professional has with new or expecting parents offers an opportunity for addressing improved early nutrition and lifestyle. Evidence-based qualification programmes via e-learning offer valuable tools for attenuating the world’s huge double burden of both under- and overnutrition in early childhood. We evaluated use and learner satisfaction of a global e-learning programme on early nutrition and lifestyle addressing international healthcare professionals. Methods: We implemented the Early Nutrition Specialist Programme (ENS) with six interactive e-learning courses on early nutrition building on more than ten years of experience with global e-learning platforms, expert knowledge and an international network in the subject field. We collected descriptive and explorative evaluation data on usage and learner satisfaction with a questionnaire and log data over three years among 4003 learners from 48 countries. Results: Results show high completion of the ENS programme, with 85.5% of learners finalizing the programme after enrollment into the first of six courses. Very good results were provided for learner satisfaction with the courses (96.7% of users), for increasing understanding of the topic (97.4%) and matching the indicated time investment (94.4%). Most predominant themes in the open text fields of user feedback questionnaires were “Increase interactivity or number of audio-visuals”, “Content suggestions or more examples” and “Technical (quality) issues or navigation problems”. Conclusions: The ENS programme evaluation shows high completion rates and level of satisfaction by learners from numerous countries. The different needs for Continuing Medical Education (CME) of healthcare professionals in diverse healthcare system settings can be met by a joint e-learning qualification programme. Further optimizations will be implemented based on user feedback. More research with a learning analytics approach may help to further identify the most effective and efficient didactic and pedagogic elements of e-learning.

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Amanda Avery

<b>Background:</b> Every encounter a healthcare professional has with new or expecting parents offers an opportunity for addressing improved early nutrition and lifestyle. Evidence-based qualification programmes via e-learning offer valuable tools for attenuating the world’s huge double burden of both under- and overnutrition in early childhood. We evaluated use and learner satisfaction of a global e-learning programme on early nutrition and lifestyle addressing international healthcare professional. <b>Methods:</b> We implemented the Early Nutrition Specialist Programme (ENS) with six interactive e-learning courses on early nutrition building on more than ten years of experience with global e-learning platforms, expert knowledge and an international network in the subject field. We collected descriptive and explorative evaluation data on usage and learner satisfaction with a questionnaire and log data over three years among 4003 learners from 48 countries. <b>Results:</b> Results show high completion of the ENS programme, with 85.5% of learners finalizing the programme after enrollment into the first of six courses. Very good results were provided for learner satisfaction with the courses (96.7% of users), for increasing understanding of the topic (97.4%) and matching the indicated time investment (94.4%). Most predominant themes in the open text fields of user feedback questionnaires were “Increase interactivity or number of audio-visuals”, “Content suggestions or more examples” and “Technical (quality) issues or navigation problems”. <b>Conclusions:</b> The ENS programme evaluation shows high completion rates and level of satisfaction by learners from numerous countries. The different needs for Continuing Medical Education (CME) of healthcare professionals in diverse healthcare system settings can be met by a joint e-learning qualification programme. Further optimizations will be implemented based on user feedback. More research with a learning analytics approach may help to further identify the most effective and efficient didactic and pedagogic elements of e-learning.


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1817
Author(s):  
Brigitte Brands ◽  
Sirinuch Chomtho ◽  
Umaporn Suthutvoravut ◽  
Christopher Chiong Meng Boey ◽  
Swee Tang ◽  
...  

Background: The double burden of both under- and overnutrition during the first 1000 days is highly prevalent in Southeast Asia (SEA), with major implications for lifelong health. Tackling this burden requires healthcare professionals (HCPs) to acquire evidence-based current knowledge and counselling skills. We assessed the needs of HCPs in SEA and developed a continuing medical education/professional development (CME/CPD) program using an e-learning platform to reduce existing gaps. Methods: European, Thai and Malaysian universities collaborated with SEA national nutrition associations in the Early Nutrition eAcademy Southeast Asia (ENeA SEA) project. We assessed HCPs’ needs using questionnaires and mapped CME/CPD programmes and regulations through stakeholder questionnaires. Using a co-creation approach, we established an e-learning platform. Evaluation in users was undertaken using questionnaires. Results: HCPs in SEA reported major training gaps relating to the first 1000 days of nutrition and limited impact of existing face-to-face training. Existing pre/postgraduate, residency and CME/CPD programmes did not adequately address the topic. To address these gaps, we produced a targeted e-learning platform with six modules and CME-tests. National ministries, Thai and Malaysian universities, and professional associations endorsed the training platform. To date, over 2600 HCPs have registered. Evaluation shows high acceptance and a very positive assessment. Conclusions: Dedicated e-learning can reduce major gaps in HCP training in SEA regarding nutrition during the first 1000 days of life at scale and is highly valued by both users and key stakeholders.


Author(s):  
Abdul Azeez Khan ◽  
Sheik Abdul Khader

<p>E-learning or electronic learning platforms facilitate delivery of the knowledge spectrum to the learning community through information and communication technologies. The transfer of knowledge takes place from experts to learners, and externalization of the knowledge transfer is significant. In the e-learning environment, the learners seek subject expertise to clarify their subject queries, and a learner query can be routed to an expert for externalization of expert knowledge provided the learner knows the subject expert or the expertise group. However, learners new to e-learning systems are not aware of the expertise group to which the query should be sent, which results in time delays, non-response, inaccurate solutions and loss of knowledge capture. Several models have been proposed to resolve this task, but thus far, these efforts have focused completely on returning the most conversant people as experts on a particular topic to retrieve valuable knowledge. To address this problem, we propose an approach that externalizes the tacit knowledge of a subject expert by creating a dynamic query handling system that automatically transfers a user query to the best subject expert.</p>


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabin Syed ◽  
Aayushi Rastogi ◽  
Akanksha Bansal ◽  
Ashish Kumar ◽  
Ankur Jindal ◽  
...  

Background: Medical institutes in India and globally were widely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and there was an almost immediate need to adapt modules for delivery on e-learning platforms. This study was undertaken to gauge the future and usefulness of e-learning in medical education by analyzing the perception, attitude, and readiness of healthcare learners during the ongoing pandemic.Methodology: A quantitative survey was conducted among the healthcare community, during lockdown i.e., over a period of five weeks from 8th May to June 13, 2020. A survey questionnaire was developed to understand the demographic details, knowledge, infrastructure access, and attitude of the healthcare professionals. It was circulated through snow-balling technique with one hundred healthcare and allied professionals (linked with Project ILBS-ECHO) as the initial seeds. Each person was asked to then circulate the survey to 20 or more of their contacts and so on for the proposed duration of the study. Identifying information was anonymized before and ethical approval was obtained prior to initiating the survey.Results: A total of 3,004 healthcare professionals voluntarily participated in the survey. The respondents were mostly young adults, with 61% of participants being &lt;30 years of age. About 65.41% used e-learning platforms for obtaining knowledge and skills during the pandemic, despite 71.1% of the respondent reporting cyber security concerns. Significant advantages of e-learning mentioned by participants was reduction in travel time and assistance in maintaining social distancing (68.21%) without compromising learning.Conclusion: With learners consistently jumping on to the bandwagon, the trend can be anticipated to continue post pandemic. For this reason, the study tried to highlight the awareness, perceptions, and potential challenges faced by Indian healthcare and allied professionals regarding e-learning as a method of education.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sungwon Yoon ◽  
Sharon Wee ◽  
Vivian S. Y. Lee ◽  
Jing Lin ◽  
Julian Thumboo

Abstract Background Although existing studies have described patterns of social media use in healthcare, most are focused on health professionals in one discipline. Population health requires a multi-disciplinary approach to ensure diversity and to include diverse stakeholders. To date, what is known about using social media in population health is focused on its potential as a communication tool. This study aims to investigate patterns of use and perceived value of social media usage among stakeholders in population health practice, policy, or research. Methods We conducted a web-based survey of delegates attending the Singapore Population Health Conversations and Workshop. We designed a 24-item questionnaire to assess 1) social media use in terms of type of platform and frequency of use; 2) perceptions of social media relevance and impact on population health; and 3) top three areas in population health that would benefit from social media. We used descriptive and logistic regression analyses to assess the relationships between variables. Results Of the 308 survey respondents, 97.7% reported that they use social media in some form. Messaging (96.8%) was the most dominant activity when using social media. Challenges in implementing social media for population health were time investment by health care professionals (56.2%) and patient adoption (52.9%). The top three population health areas that would benefit most from using social media were the promotion of healthy behaviors (60.7%), community engagement (47.7%), and preventive care (40.6%). Older respondents (> = 40 years) were less likely to view social media as useful for the promotion of healthy behaviors (OR = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.19–0.60). Non-social/healthcare professionals were more likely to consider social media to be useful for community engagement (OR = 1.74; 95% CI: 1.10–2.76). For preventive care, older respondents (OR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.32–0.82) and non-social/healthcare professionals were less likely to view social media as useful (OR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.38–0.97). Conclusions Our findings suggest that it may be important to select the specific care areas that would benefit most from using social media. The time investment needed by population health professionals should be fully addressed in planning to maximize the application and potential value of social media.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (8) ◽  
pp. 394-402
Author(s):  
Joanne Callinan

Background: E-learning provides opportunities for flexible learning to those who cannot access palliative education in the traditional classroom setting, but it also presents learners with challenges. The study aims to identify the barriers and facilitators to accessing e-learning courses in palliative care. Methods: Cross-sectional surveys were developed, piloted and disseminated to healthcare professionals (HCPs) working in palliative care on the island of Ireland (Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland). Results: Important factors that motivated HCPs to participate in e-learning are: dedicated time; quick technical and administrative support; computer training before completing an e-learning course; and regular contact with the tutor in online course work. Some 50% indicated face-to-face assistance and hands-on training sessions as the type of support that they would like to receive. Conclusions: Healthcare professionals' prior experiences and attitudes towards e-learning will guide educators developing programmes. This study indicates the prerequisite for organisational supports and practical considerations to facilitate the uptake of e-learning.


Author(s):  
Stefan Piasecki

Gamification as a tool or procedure to add entertaining and motivating elements to usually non-entertaining environments such as schools or workplaces is becoming more and more popular. E-learning platforms like Moodle provide tools and sets of functions to add elements of gamification. An important factor, especially for education, is technology: individual achievements and progress can be recorded, measured, tracked and visualized and, therefore, identified and honored through bonus points, awards or rankings. This is where gamification can add some challenge and excitement to learning.


IEEE Access ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
Ryosuke Kawamura ◽  
Shizuka Shirai ◽  
Noriko Takemura ◽  
Mehrasa Alizadeh ◽  
Mutlu Cukurova ◽  
...  

Data ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 49
Author(s):  
Rana Saeed Al-Maroof ◽  
Khadija Alhumaid ◽  
Iman Akour ◽  
Said Salloum

The fear of vaccines has led to population rejection due to various reasons. Students have had their own inquiries towards the effectiveness of the vaccination, which leads to vaccination hesitancy. Vaccination hesitancy can affect students’ perception, hence, acceptance of e-learning platforms. Therefore, this research attempts to explore the post-acceptance of e-learning platforms based on a conceptual model that has various variables. Each variable contributes differently to the post-acceptance of the e-learning platform. The research investigates the moderating role of vaccination fear on the post-acceptance of e-learning platforms among students. Thus, the study aims at exploring students’ perceptions about their post-acceptance of e-learning platforms where vaccination fear functions as a moderator. The current study depends on an online questionnaire that is composed of 29 items. The total number of respondents is 630. The collected data was implemented to test the study model and the proposed constructs and hypotheses depending on the Smart PLS Software. Fear of vaccination has a significant impact on the acceptance of e-learning platforms, and it is a strong mediator in the conceptual model. The findings indicate a positive effect of the fear of vaccination as a mediator in the variables: perceived ease of use and usefulness, perceived daily routine, perceived critical mass and perceived self-efficiency. The implication gives a deep insight to take effective steps in reducing the level of fear of vaccination, supporting the vaccination confidence among educators, teachers and students who will, in turn, affect the society as a whole.


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