Evaluation of an online course on e-Health in developing countries: A mixed-methods study

Document Type

Article

Department

Community Health Sciences; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Pakistan; Department of Medicine

Abstract

The Aga Khan Development Network Digital Health Resource Center has designed a year-long online course on e-Health, which aims to provide basic understanding of e-Health and its implementation in developing countries. The study aimed to (a) determine change in level of knowledge from pre-to-post-test in all modules of the course, (b) determine students' satisfaction level with the course, and (c) explore experiences of students and facilitators regarding the course. A mixed methods design was used. Two-tailed paired student's t-tests was applied to compare knowledge scores in the pre-and-post-test for each module. Proportions were presented for categorical variables. Thematic analysis of qualitative data was done using steps defined by Cresswell. Out of the 11 modules, eight modules showed significant difference; one module showed marginal difference and two modules showed insignificant differences in the mean knowledge scores. Overall, 42% of the respondents agreed and 58% of the respondents strongly agreed that the course was satisfactory with respect to facilitation, administration, content, methodologies, and technology. Following seven major themes emerged from the study: appropriate course layout and design, effective teaching learning strategies and assessments, interaction and engagement, effective course implementation, effectiveness of the content, e-Learning as a modality, and use of technology. The study showed significant change in the level of participants' knowledge and revealed an overall positive evaluation by the participants. Participants expressed that the course provided an excellent opportunity to gain better understanding about e-Health applications, its management, and implementation.

Publication (Name of Journal)

i-Manager's Journal on Nursing

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