The studies discussed in the articles provide insights into the use of mobile health (mHealth) applications and e-Learning in healthcare. The systematic review of mHealth adoption by healthcare professionals found that the adoption rate of mHealth was low, with lack of training and technical support being cited as the main barriers. However, the review of mobile health applications for diabetes patients highlighted the importance of user-centered design and the need for education and support to ensure successful adoption. Another systematic review found that e-Learning in health sciences education is impacted by factors such as accessibility, resources, and the quality of course design. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the use of e-Learning in health sciences education, and studies have shown the potential of e-Learning to enhance student-centered learning and reinforce skill development. Finally, the studies conducted on perceptions and understanding of mHealth and e-Learning within Health Sciences Education were able to highlight the codes themes from the data collected. Overall, these studies provide valuable insights into the use of technology in healthcare education and highlight the importance of effective design and implementation for successful adoption.
A study conducted in South Africa investigated the perceptions of health sciences staff regarding the use of mHealth and e-Learning in health sciences curricula. The research highlighted that despite the advances in e-Learning and technology, there is still a lack of integration of these tools in medical education. This is despite the National Department of Health’s 2013 strategic plan for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, which emphasizes the need for e-Learning in the health sciences field.
The study also identified several constraints that hinder the utilization of mHealth and e-Learning in health sciences curricula. These include a lack of technical support and infrastructure, poor internet connectivity, and inadequate training of educators on e-Learning methodologies. The research also revealed that there is a need for a more collaborative approach to the integration of mHealth and e-Learning in health sciences education.
The study emphasizes the importance of incorporating e-Learning and mHealth in health sciences curricula to improve the quality of education and address the country’s health challenges. It cites the 2010 Lancet report on transforming education to strengthen health systems in an interdependent world as evidence of the need for health professionals to be equipped with the necessary skills to address global health challenges.
Recent studies suggest that online learning has been widely adopted in South Africa, with the country leading in the adoption of e-learning. The number of smartphone users in South Africa is expected to increase, and this trend could further drive the adoption of online learning.
Research shows that the constructivist learning theory and collaborative learning environments can enhance the effectiveness of e-learning methodologies. However, the lack of technical support and infrastructure, poor internet connectivity, and inadequate training of educators in e-learning methodologies remain the major constraints that hinder the integration of e-learning in health sciences education.
A meta-analysis of 20 years of research on academic performance found no significant difference between traditional and distance learning. A review of empirical literature cited in a 2020 study highlighted the benefits of online learning in post-secondary education. It emphasized the need for reviewing changes in learning environments and adopting the latest trends to improve the quality of education.
Overall, e-learning has the potential to enhance the quality of health sciences education in South Africa. To overcome the constraints, a more collaborative approach is necessary to integrate e-learning effectively in the health sciences curricula.
The Role of Information and Communication Technology in e-Learning Environments: A Systematic Review
A recent systematic review conducted by Qazi et al. (2021) examines the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in e-Learning environments. The review emphasizes the significance of ICT in enhancing teaching and learning in e-Learning environments. The authors found that ICT can positively impact student engagement, collaboration, and knowledge retention.
The Future of Education and e-Learning in South Africa
According to Meyer (2016), South Africa’s education system can benefit from e-Learning initiatives, which can help bridge the educational gap and provide equitable access to quality education. Meyer emphasizes the need for digital infrastructure and training to ensure successful implementation.
Jantjies (2020) echoes similar sentiments and highlights the need for addressing digital inequalities to ensure equitable access to e-Learning resources.
The Role of Technology in Distance Education
Bates (2015) discusses the role of technology in distance education and emphasizes the potential of technology to provide quality education to students who may not have access to traditional classroom settings.
mHealth and e-Learning
Payne et al. (2014) conducted a mixed methods pilot study to investigate the impact of a hospital-specific iPhone application (iTreat) within a British junior doctor cohort. The study found that the use of mobile technology can improve healthcare professionals’ efficiency and provide patients with better care.
Gagnon et al. (2016) conducted a systematic review examining m-Health adoption by healthcare professionals. The review found that the adoption of mobile technology can improve patient care and increase healthcare professionals’ efficiency.
Conclusion
Overall, the reviewed literature highlights the significance of technology in enhancing teaching and learning in e-Learning environments. The potential benefits of technology in providing equitable access to quality education and improving healthcare professionals’ efficiency are also emphasized.
The use of technology in the healthcare industry has been rapidly increasing, and mHealth adoption by healthcare professionals has become an essential aspect of modern healthcare. A systematic review conducted by Gagnon et al. in 2016 explored the adoption of mHealth by healthcare professionals, highlighting its importance in enhancing healthcare communication and access to healthcare services. Other studies have examined the use of smartphone applications in enhancing communication with surgical patients and the implementation of telemedicine education and training in medical schools. The future of education and e-learning has also been explored, and the use of e-learning modules has been shown to have a significant impact on the development of health sciences students’ venipuncture skills. Additionally, a study conducted in France in 2020 explored the national survey of telemedicine education and training in medical schools. The development of clinical consensus for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with rotator cuff pathology has been achieved using the modified Delphi method, highlighting the importance of technology in healthcare decision-making processes. The advancements in mHealth have the potential to revolutionize the healthcare industry, providing efficient and accessible healthcare services to a larger population.
In this section, we can find various studies and systematic reviews that focus on the use of mobile health (mHealth) and e-Learning applications in healthcare education.
One study conducted a systematic review of the literature to assess the use of smartphone applications for enhancing communication with surgical patients, while another study focused on the national survey of telemedicine education and training in medical schools in France.
Additionally, a review of the literature was conducted to advance the science of mHealth, while another study examined the effect of an e-Learning module on health sciences students’ venipuncture skill development.
Furthermore, a study used the modified Delphi method to establish clinical consensus for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with rotator cuff pathology. Another systematic review looked into the lessons learned and design implications of mobile health applications to assist patients with diabetes.
Another study conducted a systematic review to identify effective behavioral intervention strategies using mobile health applications for chronic disease management. Finally, a few studies reviewed the enablers and barriers affecting e-Learning in health sciences education, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on e-Learning and assessment.
Perceptions of mHealth and e-Learning in Health Sciences Education
The table summarizes the perceptions of mHealth and e-Learning in Health Sciences Education. It shows the number of themes identified from focus group discussions and staff interviews from various universities. The code themes range from 1 to 4. The data was collected during different sessions in 2021. The table suggests that there is a positive perception of mHealth and e-Learning in Health Sciences Education. Overall, the study found 21 themes, with the highest number of themes identified at Wits FGD Staff (7) and UJ Staff FGD 26082021 (4).
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