Multi-disciplinary staff perspectives and consensus on e-Learning and mHealth for Health Sciences curricula

Journal article

Health systems face complex challenges – even more so in resource-constrained contexts such as South Africa. Alignment of local educational systems with national development goals is needed to strengthen health systems. The further disruption of COVID-19 to educational and health systems underscores the necessity to adapt our curricula and practices. Integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), such as e-Learning and mobile health (mHealth) applications integrated with learning management systems, or virtual learning environments, offer a sustainable strategy for the enhancement of Health Science student training, graduate competency development and delivery of quality patient care. Uptake, or not, of e-Learning and mHealth at several South African universities was explored through a survey with staff (n = 65) from across the Health Sciences. Diverse perceptions, experiences and recommendations were found, including the prevalence and dis/advantages of e-Learning and mHealth in the Health Sciences. The perceived usefulness of specific features of each were highlighted. In closing, a multi-modal model of epistemology, axiology and ontology in healthcare technology, digital health and medical education – including content, skills, technology development and challenges/constraints – is presented.

Authors: Noorbhai, H; Sims, DA; Hartman, N

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• Journal: Higher Education Research and Development
• Volume: 43
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 620-639
• Publication date: 2024-03-25
• Acceptance date: 2024-02-14
• DOI: 10.1080/07294360.2024.2325149
• EISSN: 1469-8366
• ISSN: 0729-4360
• Language: English
• Keywords: health sciences; mHealth; (modified) Delphi; staff; e-Learning; South Africa