Post-graduate Course in Palliative Medicine: Experiences from an E-Learning-Based Pilot Program, a Mixed Methods Study

Annamarja Lamminmäki, Minna Hökkä, Outi Hirvonen, Eeva Rahko, Tiina Saarto, Juho Lehto

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective: To study whether E-learning methods are feasible in the post-graduate education of palliative medicine. Methods: A mixed-methods study. Evaluations from pilot course attendees were analyzed numerically and answers to open-ended questions about E-learning were analyzed using inductive content analysis. A national pilot E-learning-based post-graduate course in palliative medicine with 24 participating physicians in Finland. The evaluation of teaching modules and different aspects of the course was achieved from the participants through numerical statements and open-ended questions. Results: The feedback on most aspects of the course was good. For example, issues of pain and symptom control, lectures, pre-exams, and group discussions were deemed suitable for E-learning, while studying communication and existential issues through E-learning was considered more challenging. The benefits of E-learning included efficacy, better accessibility, and the possibility to go back to the teaching material. Reduced networking and face-to-face interactions were stated as challenges of E-learning. Conclusions: E-learning is feasible in the post-graduate education of palliative medicine and can be ‘surprisingly rewarding’. It allows easy access to learn many important topics, while social networking may fall short. Further studies are needed to assess the increase in competence by different learning methods.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)209-216
JournalJOURNAL OF PALLIATIVE CARE
Volume39
Issue number3
Early online date2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024
Publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

Keywords

  • distance
  • education
  • graduate
  • medical
  • palliative medicine

Publication forum classification

  • Publication forum level 1

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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