E-learning in medical education in resource constrained low- and middle-income countries

Background 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 e-learning in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), and presents the spectrum of tools and strategies used. Methods Researchers reviewed literature using terms related to e-learning and pre-service education of health professionals in LMIC. Search terms were connected using the Boolean Operators “AND” and “OR” to capture all relevant article suggestions. Using standard decision criteria, reviewers narrowed the article suggestions to a final 124 relevant articles. Results Of the relevant articles found, most referred to e-learning in Brazil (14 articles), India (14), Egypt (10) and South Africa (10). While e-learning has been used by a variety of health workers in LMICs, the majority (58%) reported on physician training, while 24% focused on nursing, pharmacy and dentistry training. Although reasons for investing in e-learning varied, expanded access to education was at the core of e-learning implementation which included providing supplementary tools to support faculty in their teaching, expanding the pool of faculty by connecting to partner and/or community teaching sites, and sharing of digital resources for use by students. E-learning in medical education takes many forms. Blended learning approaches were the most common methodology presented (49 articles) of which computer-assisted learning (CAL) comprised the majority (45 articles). Other approaches included simulations and the use of multimedia software (20 articles), web-based learning (14 articles), and eTutor/eMentor programs (3 articles). Of the 69 articles that evaluated the effectiveness of e-learning tools, 35 studies compared outcomes between e-learning and other approaches, while 34 studies qualitatively analyzed student and faculty attitudes toward e-learning modalities. Conclusions E-learning in medical education is a means to an end, rather than the end in itself. Utilizing e-learning can result in greater educational opportunities for students while simultaneously enhancing faculty effectiveness and efficiency. However, this potential of e-learning assumes a certain level of institutional readiness in human and infrastructural resources that is not always present in LMICs. Institutional readiness for e-learning adoption ensures the alignment of new tools to the educational and economic context

Medical schools in sub-Saharan Africa

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/85361/1/MedicalSchoolsinSubSaharaAfrica.pd

Medical schools in sub-Saharan Africa

Small numbers of graduates from few medical schools, and emigration of graduates to other countries, contribute to low physician presence in sub-Saharan Africa. The Sub-Saharan African Medical School Study examined the challenges, innovations, and emerging trends in medical education in the region. We identified 168 medical schools; of the 146 surveyed, 105 (72%) responded. Findings from the study showed that countries are prioritising medical education scale-up as part of health-system strengthening, and we identified many innovations in premedical preparation, teambased education, and creative use of scarce research support. The study also drew attention to ubiquitous faculty shortages in basic and clinical sciences, weak physical infrastructure, and little use of external accreditation. Patterns recorded include the growth of private medical schools, community-based education, and international partnerships, and the benefit of research for faculty development. Ten recommendations provide guidance for efforts to strengthen medical education in sub-Saharan Africa.The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet

Les écoles de médecine en Afrique subsaharienne

Contexte, problématique et objectifs : Les nombres restreints de diplômés sortant d’écoles de médecine peu nombreuses, et l’émigration des diplômés vers d’autres pays contribuent au faible nombre de médecins présents en Afrique subsaharienne. L’étude sur les écoles de médecine en Afrique subsaharienne a examiné les défis, les innovations et les nouvelles tendances au regard de l’éducation en médecine dans la région. Méthodes : Nous avons retenu 168 écoles de médecine; parmi les 146 qui ont été soumises à l’enquête, 105 (72 %) ont répondu. Résultats : Les observations tirées de l’étude indiquaient que les pays mettaient en priorité l’éducation médicale dans le cadre du renforcement du secteur de la santé et nous avons constaté nombre d’innovations dans la préparation « pré-médicale », l’éducation en équipe et l’usage créatif du soutien limité en matière de recherche. L’étude a aussi attiré l’attention sur le problème généralisé d’un effectif insuffisant de professeurs capables d’enseigner les sciences fondamentales et cliniques, d’une infrastructure physique peu développée et du manque d’accréditation externe. Les tendances enregistrées incluent la croissance des écoles de médecine privées, l’éducation axée sur la communauté, les partenariats internationaux et l’effet positif de la recherche pour le développement des professeurs. Dix recommandations orientent l’initiative de renforcement de l’éducation en médecine en Afrique subsaharienne