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. 2010 Sep 8:7:35.
doi: 10.1186/1742-6405-7-35.

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

Maria Zolfo  1 , David Iglesias, Carlos Kiyan, Juan Echevarria, Luis Fucay, Ellar Llacsahuanga, Inge de Waard, Victor Suàrez, Walter Castillo Llaque, Lutgarde Lynen
Affiliations

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

Maria Zolfo et al. AIDS Res Ther. .

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.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Smartphones: Nokia N95 and iPhone.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Example of 3D animation.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Pre-test, example.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Flow of the 5 clinical modules.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Previous computer use among participants.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Use of applications according to mobile device.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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