Mobile learning for HIV/AIDS healthcare worker training in resource-limited settings

M Zolfo, D Iglesias, C Kiyan, J Echevarria, L Fucay, E Llacsahuanga, I de Waard, V Suarez, WL Llaque, L Lynen

Research output: Contribution to journalA4: Article in journal not included in A1, A2 or A3peer-review

Abstract

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: We present an innovative approach to healthcare worker (HCW) training using mobile phones as a personal learning environment. Twenty physicians used individual Smartphones (Nokia N95 and iPhone), each equipped with a portable solar charger. Doctors worked in urban and peri-urban HIV/AIDS clinics in Peru, where almost 70% of the nation's HIV patients in need are on treatment. A set of 3D learning scenarios simulating interactive clinical cases was developed and adapted to the Smartphones for a continuing medical education program lasting 3 months. A mobile educational platform supporting learning events tracked participant learning progress. A discussion forum accessible via mobile connected participants to a group of HIV specialists available for back-up of the medical information. Learning outcomes were verified through mobile quizzes using multiple choice questions at the end of each module. METHODS: In December 2009, a mid-term evaluation was conducted, targeting both technical feasibility and user satisfaction. It also highlighted user perception of the program and the technical challenges encountered using mobile devices for lifelong learning. RESULTS: With a response rate of 90% (18/20 questionnaires returned), the overall satisfaction of using mobile tools was generally greater for the iPhone. Access to Skype and Facebook, screen/keyboard size, and image quality were cited as more troublesome for the Nokia N95 compared to the iPhone. CONCLUSIONS: Training, supervision and clinical mentoring of health workers are the cornerstone of the scaling up process of HIV/AIDS care in resource-limited settings (RLSs). Educational modules on mobile phones can give flexibility to HCWs for accessing learning content anywhere. However lack of softwares interoperability and the high investment cost for the Smartphones' purchase could represent a limitation to the wide spread use of such kind mLearning programs in RLSs
Original languageEnglish
JournalAIDS Research and Therapy
Volume7
Issue number35
Pages (from-to)1-6
Number of pages6
ISSN1742-6405
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010

Keywords

  • B780-tropical-medicine
  • Viral diseases
  • HIV
  • AIDS
  • Health care
  • Health personnel
  • Medical doctors
  • Mobile learning
  • Medical education
  • Evaluation
  • Technical aspects
  • Feasibility
  • User-friendliness
  • Perceptions
  • Peru
  • America-Latin

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