Chances and Barriers of Online Problem-Based Learning (ePBL) for Advanced Training in the Healthcare Sector

Abstract

An online advanced training for professionals within the healthcare sector was developed including a problem statement to be solved following the steps of problem-based learning (PBL).The findings show that it is feasible to transfer PBL electronically (ePBL) where participants favoured the flexibility and time independency of ePBL. However, the evaluation revealed issues with the learning platform, insufficient technical conditions in the hospitals and a lack of personal exchange. Thus, ePBL offers advantages especially for advanced training in the healthcare sector but requires adaptations and the necessary technical prerequisites.

Evaluating the impact of distance learning on gender-affirming healthcare competence: knowledge acquisition and satisfaction among healthcare professionals in Italy

“…The primary innovative feature of this course lies in its teaching methodology, emphasizing active training. The PBL approach employed encourages participants to engage in "learning to learn" by tackling real-world problems that mirror their professional contexts (30,39). According to Schmidt et al (30), PBL leverages the presentation of a problem to stimulate participants' existing knowledge, facilitating more effective learning.…”

“…The PBL approach employed encourages participants to engage in "learning to learn" by tackling real-world problems that mirror their professional contexts (30,39). According to Schmidt et al (30), PBL leverages the presentation of a problem to stimulate participants' existing knowledge, facilitating more effective learning. In contrast to traditional methods, PBL requires participants to actively address and solve problems, taking charge of identifying their own LOs.…”

“…The course was structured according to Problem-Based Learning (PBL), a methodological approach based on andragogic principles, that stimulates participants to “learn to learn” solving real-world problems that reflect their work context ( 30 ). PBL was chosen due to its learning success (e.g., in critical thinking) and its increased usage as a teaching method, especially in medical and healthcare education ( 31 ). Over the years PBL has been adapted to the e-learning context and different learning models have been developed, depending on the level of interaction among participants and facilitators ( 32 , 33 ).…”

“…The language utilized in the course was Italian. The course was structured according to Problem-Based Learning (PBL), a methodological approach based on andragogic principles, that stimulates participants to "learn to learn" solving real-world problems that reflect their work context (30). PBL was chosen due to its learning success (e.g., in critical thinking) and its increased usage as a teaching method, especially in medical and healthcare education (31).…”

An e-Problem-Based Learning Program for Infection Control in Nursing Homes: A Quasi-Experimental Study

“…The practical reasoning process in recognizing and dealing with new infectious cases could be improved by an educational strategy focused on problem-solving [ 13 ]. Moreover, as e-learning improves learning ability through self-directed learning and repetition [ 24 ], the program’s educational effect was enhanced through e-PBL, which combines the advantages of PBL and e-learning [ 25 ]. The e-learning technology and environment necessary for this study were considered during the program’s development process through discussions between two computer education experts and two doctors in nursing.…”