Use of Online Media for Professional Development Amongst Medical Radiation Practitioners in Australia and Canada

Abstract

Online media allows access to professional development (PD) regardless of geographical location and has the potential to provide equitable, immediate and quality PD. Online media includes online information and social media. The purpose of this mixed methods research study was to investigate the perceptions and use of online media for PD amongst medical radiation practitioners within Australia and Canada. An online survey was circulated to members of the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) and the Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (AS-MIRT). The survey collected data within three domains: current use, satisfaction of use, and future use. A four point Likert scale was used for both satisfaction with the online platform and frequency of use. Two hundred and thirty-nine re-* Corresponding author.

Collaborative learning in the professional development of medical radiation practitioners

“…Using social media as it is less time‐consuming has previously been reported 2 . Greater use of social media for CPD could alleviate some of the barriers identified for face‐to‐face learning such as geographic location and cost 11,14 . Not all MRPs are comfortable using social media for CPD 11 with concerns regarding online privacy, online behaviour and a preference to keep their private and personal life separate.…”

“…Health practitioners working in rural or remote areas reported access to CPD activities was limited as travelling for seminars or conferences was a barrier 8,10 . As a result, there is interest in online and social media, to reduce learning barriers of geographic location and time 11 …”

“…A recent survey by the Australian Bureau of Statistics 15 reported that 59 per cent of Australians access social media every day or most days, and more than a third access social media more than five times per day. Boyd et al 11 . investigated the use of online media by MRPs and demonstrated that while social media was not widely adopted by MRPs to meet their professional development needs, increase in future use of these tools by MRPs was anticipated.…”

“…8,10 As a result, there is interest in online and social media, to reduce learning barriers of geographic location and time. 11 With advances in technology professional development, opportunities have expanded. MRPs have gained access to online platforms and information in the form of web pages, journal articles, online books, blogs, images and videos, as well as interactive platforms such as social media to meet their professional learning needs.…”

“…MRPs have gained access to online platforms and information in the form of web pages, journal articles, online books, blogs, images and videos, as well as interactive platforms such as social media to meet their professional learning needs. 11 Social media is a form of online communication technology that enables users to share information, knowledge and opinions with others in the community. [12][13][14] A recent survey by the Australian Bureau of Statistics 15 reported that 59 per cent of Australians access social media every day or most days, and more than a third access social media more than five times per day.…”