E-learning in clinical microbiology and infectious diseases

Abstract

Background: Becoming and staying competent is a challenge in clinical microbiology and infectious diseases because of dramatic increases in medical knowledge, discovery of new pathogens, emerging infections, new resistance mechanisms and laboratory techniques. E-learning is an effective way of meeting educational needs by providing more efficient and flexible training. E-learning resources have become more important to acquire new knowledge and skills, especially at a time of physical distancing.

Objectives: This review aims to summarize the implementation of e-learning in clinical microbiology and infectious diseases with references to existing examples and resources.

Sources: Literature and online resources for e-learning, online teaching/education in medical education, clinical microbiology and infectious diseases.

Content: The principles and common methods of e-learning and frequently used digital tools are described. For all aspects of e-learning/distance learning, available resources and examples of applications in clinical microbiology and infectious diseases are presented.

Implications: The techniques, tools and resources described in this article should be considered for the development and implementation of e-learning programmes in clinical microbiology and infectious disease training.

Keywords: Clinical microbiology; Continuing education; Distance education; E-learning; Infectious diseases; Medical education; Online learning; Training programs.