The feasibility of e-learning as a quality improvement tool

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Healthcare Quality Improvement
• Digital Health

Background:

• Healthcare delivery faces persistent quality challenges.
• E-learning offers a potential solution for professional development.
• Addressing quality gaps requires innovative educational strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of e-learning modules for improving healthcare quality.
• To assess learner perceptions of e-learning content and delivery.
• To identify areas for improvement in e-learning design for medical professionals.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative evaluation of a pilot e-learning program involving physician members of six medical teaching units.
• Participants completed voluntary e-learning modules on hand hygiene and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).
• Focus groups and content analysis were used to gather perceptions, supplemented by module access data.

Main Results:

• 30 out of 55 eligible users (55%) accessed the e-learning modules.
• Learners across all levels found the modules easy to use.
• Positive reception for the CAP module's relevant knowledge; mixed reviews for the hand hygiene module.

Conclusions:

• Developing e-learning modules to target healthcare quality gaps is both feasible and acceptable to learners.
• Further research is needed to determine if e-learning leads to improved clinical behaviors.
• E-learning shows promise as a tool for enhancing healthcare quality and professional education.