The Benefits of eLearning in the Healthcare Industry
eLearning is gaining popularity in the healthcare industry today. Let’s talk about the various types of eLearning applications
The COVID-19 pandemic has provoked immense growth in online activities. Citizens of many countries have faced the sad reality of lockdowns, quarantines, and other severe restrictions. However, it is impossible to stop life completely, and people need hope. Some industries have almost fully transferred their services online to adapt to the present-day demands. Education is one of the areas where eLearning has proved successful and indispensable. Teachers deliver lectures and conduct seminars online; it is convenient to pass digital tests; there are loads of educational sources available on the Internet, and so on. Let’s consider the benefits of eLearning for medical workers and students.
The necessity of eLearning for healthcare professionals
eLearning gained popularity long before the outbreak of COVID-19. The pandemic has just boosted it. Medical workers must constantly hone their skills and enhance their knowledge. Continuing medical education (CME) is a relevant concept here. That is why doctors are encouraged to attend additional courses. However, it is not easy for a practicing physician to find time to study offline. Here is where eLearning has its say.
Leading healthcare software development companies see learning management systems (LMS) as their top priority, alongside other medical software. They build eLearning platforms and mobile apps that help students gain knowledge of human anatomy and other relevant subjects. At the same time, they allow healthcare professionals to train for operations and various medical procedures. Medical education is also a good area for custom healthcare software development. IT specialists can offer tailor-made solutions that will meet the requirements of a particular medical school.
Key types of eLearning software
- Educational platforms
These are mainly web solutions providing learners with extensive medical information. Educational platforms are customizable and often include complementing mobile apps and cloud services. Such platforms as Osmosis help both students and teachers and offer a rich library with educational videos, flashcards, and other materials.
- Reference apps
Most doctors and students install reference applications on their smartphones. Such an app is a handy tool providing specialists of different profiles with relevant news, articles, instructions for use, etc. A good example is Human Anatomy Atlas offering users detailed 3D views of the human body, organs, and tissues.
- VR/AR simulations
Virtual reality and augmented reality are crucial when studying anatomy or practicing for operations. For example, future surgeons learn to perform various surgical tasks, deal with medical instruments and other equipment, etc. An obvious advantage here is safety because lack of experience during operations can cost patients life.
- 3D imaging
Medical workers, especially surgeons, must have exhaustive information about the human body and its functions. 3D imaging helps them to study organs, tissues, and bones in detail. Such software also allows them to observe vital processes and changes inside an organism.
- Videoconferencing and webinars
Videoconferencing and webinars are probably the most widespread educational activities in any field of science. Professors can deliver lectures online and make them interactive by encouraging students to ask questions or participate in polls. Online discussions have proved efficient during the pandemic.
Advantages of eLearning apps in healthcare
Traditional offline education and training are time-consuming and expensive. It significantly affects the workflow as valuable specialists need more time off work. During the pandemic, it is next to impossible to attend such courses. Doctors and nurses should stay at the hospital. Therefore, using eLearning software can help to solve this problem. The primary focus is on mobile apps because smartphones are always at hand.
- Convenience
You can choose any convenient time and place for your studies. You can access educational sources from your home computer or at work. You can study in the city or leave for the countryside. Decide if you have strength enough to plunge into a digital book in the evening of a workday or at weekends. All you need is a computer, tablet, or smartphone and a stable Internet connection. Some medical students have to work to pay for their education. Naturally, they prefer hospitals or clinics whenever it is possible. Thus, they can benefit from mobile apps when commuting to work, or during a break. There have also been many volunteers at hospitals during the pandemic. They may need to consult a reference book or manual, and eLearning apps offer such an opportunity.
- Flexibility
The healthcare sector is rapidly developing. There appear new devices and equipment. You should always check if there are new regulations and adjustments to the industry laws. And, of course, the knowledge base is constantly growing as medical science advances. Healthcare software development companies take all this into account and regularly offer updates for their eLearning solutions. For medical schools, it is easier to modify curricula much quicker.
- Cost and availability
eLearning offers a far less costly alternative to traditional medical education. It is easier to maintain educational platforms online. You just build them and then keep on upgrading according to the demands of the day. Electronic manuals are less expensive, and students can download them numerous times. Augmented reality or virtual reality allow conducting cadaver-free anatomy courses. Medical schools need not spend money on additional equipment or specimens any time new students start their studies.
- Gamification
Gamification has proven efficient in different spheres of education. It is also attractive for medical students. Elements of competition, ratings, rewards, or prizes for successful performance will make them study even more enthusiastically.
Conclusion
To a great extent, the future of eLearning in healthcare will be shaped by mobile apps as they allow carrying a huge knowledge base in your pocket. With the constant progress of medical science, new sources will be added to existing web platforms. Current successful solutions will be updated and enhanced. All this determines the necessity of further healthcare and eLearning software development.
If your medical school needs modern eLearning solutions, you should contact an experienced healthcare software development company. IT specialists will build an efficient educational platform that will be useful for professors, students, and medical personnel.
