Background The use of electronic learning formats (e-learning) in medical
education is reported mainly from individual specialty perspectives. In this
study, we analyzed the implementation level of e-learning formats and the
institutional support structures and strategies at an institutional level in a
cluster of mid-European medical schools. Methods A 49-item online
questionnaire was send to 48 medical schools in Austria, Germany and
Switzerland using SurveyMonkey®. Data were collected between February and
September of 2013 and analyzed using quantities, statistical and qualitative
means. Results The response rate was 71 %. All schools had implemented
e-learning, but mainly as an optional supplement to the curriculum. E-learning
involved a wide range of formats across all disciplines. Online learning
platforms were used by 97 % of the schools. Full-time e-learning staff was
employed by 50 %, and these had a positive and significant effect on the
presence of e-learning in the corresponding medical schools. In addition, 81 %
offered training programs and qualifications for their teachers and 76 %
awarded performance-oriented benefits, with 17 % giving these for e-learning
tasks. Realization of e-learning offers was rewarded by 33 %, with 27 %
recognizing this as part of the teaching load. 97 % would use curriculum-
compatible e-learning tools produced by other faculties. Conclusions While all
participating medical schools used e-learning concepts, this survey revealed
also a reasonable support by institutional infrastructure and the importance
of staff for the implementation level of e-learning offerings. However, data
showed some potential for increasing tangible incentives to motivate teachers
to engage in further use of e-learning. Furthermore, the use of individual
tools and the distribution of e-learning presentations in various disciplines
were quite inhomogeneous. The willingness of the medical schools to cooperate
should be capitalized for the future, especially concerning the provision of
e-learning tools and concepts
