Adoption and Use of Mobile Learning in Continuing Professional Development by Health and Human Services Professionals

Area of Science:

• Health Sciences
• Medical Education
• Digital Health

Background:

• Health and human services professionals increasingly utilize mobile devices for clinical decision-making and evidence-based practice.
• Research on self-directed learning within the context of growing digital technology adoption remains underdeveloped.
• This study investigates the integration and utilization of mobile learning as a component of continuing professional development (CPD).

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the adoption and use of mobile learning (m-learning) among health and human services professionals for continuing professional development (CPD).
• To identify the perceived benefits and barriers associated with m-learning for professional growth in the health sector.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods case study approach was employed.
• Data collection involved semistructured interviews and a web-based questionnaire.
• Participants were health and human services professionals in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

Main Results:

• Smartphones (53.8%) and tablets (50.4%) were commonly used, alongside platforms like YouTube (43.0%) and mobile apps (35.8%) for CPD.
• Top benefits included improved information access (M=3.51), knowledge acquisition (M=3.45), and staying current (M=3.44).
• Primary barriers were app/resource costs (M=3.07), mobile device incompatibility (M=2.84), workplace restrictions (M=2.82), and concerns about digital professionalism (M=2.65).

Conclusions:

• Mobile learning offers flexibility, convenience, and autonomy for just-in-time learning.
• Addressing policy, practice, and regulatory factors can enhance mobile learning adoption for CPD.
• Optimizing mobile learning can improve clinical decision-making, accuracy, and patient safety.