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

Ng, Sze May; Kalaitzoglou, Evangelia; Utari, Agustini; Wijngaard-deVugt, Conny van; Donaldson, Malcolm; Wolfsdorf, Joseph I.; Boot, Annemieke M.; Drop, Stenvert L. S.

doi:10.1159/000527984

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 30 publications

(43 reference statements)

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“…Full details are available on the ESPE website, https://eurospe.org. Distance learning is delivered through the e-learning global website www.espe-elearning.org[11]. Although the contribution of these courses to local expertise has been very successful, on-site education from “imported” experts is also critical to cement the development of the speciality in resource-poor countries, such as these.…”

Section: Development Of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes Special...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Key Stages in the Development and Establishment of Paediatric Endocrinology: A Template for Future Progress

Savage¹,

Donaldson²,

Davies³

et al. 2023

Horm Res Paediatr

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Background Paediatric endocrinology became recognised in Western European countries in the 1960s and 1970s. It is now a thriving paediatric sub-specialty in many countries, but remains non-existent or in its infancy in others. We have had the privilege to work in Western centres of excellence and this review outlines the key stages in the development of modern centres, discussing the human and organisational issues that have under-pinned progress in the establishment of this paediatric sub-specialty. Summary Human determination, vision and ambition to create a modern centre and become a national flag-bearer in the field are key components of success. The realisation that learning by spending time as a fellow away from one’s home institution, so that knowledge can be acquired and brought back home, is also a key factor. Career structures should be designed to mentor and guide the trainee returning from a fellowship abroad. Scientific societies such as the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) are key resources for networking, support and discussion with experienced colleagues who may have faced similar challenges. Training and acquisition of knowledge through on-site or e-learning initiatives are beneficial and numerous examples exist, including the telemedicine model of store-and-forward consultations. Leadership skills can be learnt and good working relationships with adult endocrinology colleagues result in benefits and political support. Key Messages The development of paediatric endocrinology in a region with hitherto no such facilities constitutes a major contribution to local, regional and, in all likelihood, national patient care.

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Section: Development Of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes Special...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Key Stages in the Development and Establishment of Paediatric Endocrinology: A Template for Future Progress

Savage¹,

Donaldson²,

Davies³

et al. 2023

Horm Res Paediatr

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The website provides health care professionals access to topics in pediatric endocrinology and diabetes aimed to improve their clinical skills and competencies through interactive learning. In addition to self-directed learning, it can serve as a valuable resource that can facilitate classroom teaching and promote interaction with experts in the field [ 7 ]. A section of the website, targeted toward health care professionals from resource-limited settings, is available in 5 languages, including Spanish [ 6 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bringing the Pediatric Endocrine Spanish Speaking Community Together: First Virtual Pediatric Endocrine Meeting in Low- and Middle-Income Countries in Central and South America

Bogarin¹,

Elizondo²,

Kalaitzoglou³

et al. 2023

Interact J Med Res

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Background Pediatric endocrinology is a specialty that is struggling worldwide to maintain adequately trained professionals. Pediatric endocrine care in Central America and Caribbean countries is often performed by pediatricians or adult endocrinologists due to the limited number of pediatric endocrinologists. These health care providers are seldom members of endocrine societies and frequently lack formal training in the field. Objective In this study, we describe the scope of a virtual conference in pediatric endocrinology and diabetes targeted to low- and middle-income countries to provide equal opportunities for access to medical education for health care professionals. Methods The virtual conference was sponsored by the Pediatric Endocrine Society (North America), Asociación Costarricense de Endocrinología (previously, Asociación Nacional Pro Estudio de la Diabetes, Endocrinología y Metabolismo), and Asociacion Centroamericana y del Caribe de Endocrinologia Pediátrica. The conference was free to participants and comprised 23 sessions that were either synchronous with ability for real-time interactive sessions or asynchronous sessions, where content was available online to access at their convenience. Topics included idiopathic short stature, polycystic ovarian syndrome, diabetes mellitus, telemedicine, Turner syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, obesity, central precocious puberty, and subclinical hypothyroidism. The participants were asked to evaluate the conference after its completion with a questionnaire. Results A total of 8 speakers from Spain, Canada, Costa Rica, and the United States delivered the virtual event to 668 health care professionals from Guatemala, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay, Mexico, Honduras, Argentina, the United States, Bolivia, Chile, Panama, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Belize, Spain, and Colombia. Name, profession, and country were fully disclosed by 410 (61.4%) of the 668 health care professionals. The profession or level of training of participants were as follows: pediatric endocrinologists (n=129, 19.3%), pediatricians (n=116, 17.4%), general practitioners (n=77, 11.5%), adult endocrinologists (n=34, 5.1%), medical students (n=23, 3.4%), residents in various specialties (n=14, 2.1%), and others (n=17, 2.6%). A total of 23 sessions were offered, most of which were bilingual (Spanish and English). Feedback from the evaluation questionnaire indicated that the content of the conference was very relevant to the participants’ professional practice. Additionally, the participants reported that they were very satisfied with the organization, the web-based platform, and the sessions of the conference. Conclusions Lack of accessibility to the latest and cutting-edge medical education in pediatric endocrinology and diabetes for medical professionals from low- and middle-income countries can be overcome with a virtual conference. Online availability, low cost, and easy-to-use technology were well received from the participants, who were overall very satisfied by the quality and the relevance of the sessions to their professional practice.

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

Cited by 2 publications

References 30 publications

Key Stages in the Development and Establishment of Paediatric Endocrinology: A Template for Future Progress

Key Stages in the Development and Establishment of Paediatric Endocrinology: A Template for Future Progress

Bringing the Pediatric Endocrine Spanish Speaking Community Together: First Virtual Pediatric Endocrine Meeting in Low- and Middle-Income Countries in Central and South America

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