Multilingual Global E-Learning Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes Curriculum for Front Line Health Care Providers in Resource-Limited Countries: Development Study

Abstract

Background Electronic learning (e-learning) is a widely accessible, low-cost option for learning remotely in various settings that allows interaction between an instructor and a learner. Objective We describe the development of a free and globally accessible multilingual e-learning module that provides education material on topics in pediatric endocrinology and diabetes and that is intended for first-line physicians and health workers but also trainees or medical specialists in resource-limited countries. Methods As complements to concise chapters, interactive vignettes were constructed, exemplifying clinical issues and pitfalls, with specific attention to the 3 levels of medical health care in resource-limited countries. The module is part of a large e-learning portal, ESPE e-learning, which is based on ILIAS (Integriertes Lern-, Informations- und Arbeitskooperations-System), an open-source web-based learning management system. Following a review by global experts, the content was translated by native French, Spanish, Swahili, and Chinese–speaking colleagues into their respective languages using a commercial web-based translation tool (SDL Trados Studio). Results Preliminary data suggest that the module is well received, particularly in targeted parts of the world and that active promotion to inform target users is warranted. Conclusions The e-learning module is a free globally accessible multilingual up-to-date tool for use in resource-limited countries that has been utilized thus far with success. Widespread use will require dissemination of the tool on a global scale.

Ten-Year Experience of a Global and Freely Accessible e-Learning Website for Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes

“…Urstad et al [21] concluded that when sharing e-learning resources across countries, an adaptation and translation process that includes a multicultural and multidisciplinary perspective is needed. In view of this concern, authors from all over the world have been invited to contribute to the content of the ESPE e-Learning website, and, in particular, the content of the module “Health Care in Resource Limited Setting” was written by authors from low- and middle-income countries [5].…”

“…The module comprises 16 chapters and 24 interactive problem-solving case studies (vignettes) exemplifying clinical issues and pitfalls, with specific attention to the 3 levels of medical health care in resource-limited settings (Table 1). The entire content has been translated by native French-, Spanish-, Swahili-, and Chinese-speaking colleagues into their respective languages [5]. This module has been well received, particularly in targeted parts of the world as shown in Figure 3.…”

A scoping review of the use of e-learning and e-consultation for healthcare workers in low- and middle-income countries and their potential complementarity

“…[44][45][46] Descriptive studies and expert opinion Most descriptive studies focused on the application of either EL or EC for targeting specific health conditions such as infectious diseases (mostly HIV and TBC), 47-55 maternal and child care, 56-64 and pediatrics (Supplementary Tables S1F and S1G). [65][66][67][68] Additional targeted health conditions where EL or EC has been used include cardiology, 41,69 neurology, 44 dermatology, 70,71 and oncology. 72,73 Our search did not find studies related to other relevant types of health conditions in this area according to Winters, 14 such as mental health, trauma, and disabilities.…”

Transforming Education through a Global e-Learning Model for Pediatric Diabetes and Endocrinology

“…2). The ESPE elearning for resource-limited countries (RLC) modules were further developed and specifically targeted for frontline health-care providers, medical doctors, and special-ists in RLC [7]. The RLC modules provide an up-to-date globally accessible multilingual curriculum in 4 other languages: French, Spanish, Swahili, and Chinese, enabling access to non-English speaking health-care professionals and students.…”