E-learning in medical education: the potential environmental impact.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Medical Education
• Public Health

Background:

• Growing interest in e-learning for medical education.
• Limited attention to the environmental impact of e-learning resources.
• Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential for medical practitioners.

Purpose of the Study:

• To model the environmental outcomes of using e-learning for CPD.
• To evaluate the potential impact of e-learning on a learner's carbon footprint.
• To assess the carbon footprint reduction for General Practitioners (GPs) using e-learning.

Main Methods:

• Modeling e-learning as a component of CPD.
• Evaluating the impact on a learner's carbon footprint from a GP perspective.
• Assuming 50 hours or credits of CPD annually for all GPs.

Main Results:

• High e-learning users can reduce their carbon footprint.
• Reduced travel to face-to-face events is the primary factor.
• Reducing printing also contributes to a smaller beneficial effect.
• A high e-learning user can reduce their CPD-related carbon footprint by 18.5 kg.

Conclusions:

• Doctors have a duty to consider e-learning for its lower carbon footprint.
• E-learning presents a viable option for environmentally conscious medical CPD.
• Addressing global warming risks necessitates exploring sustainable educational practices in healthcare.