The role of digital technology in providing education, training, continuing professional development and support to the rural health workforce
Health Education
; 122(2):126-149, 2022.
Article
in English
| ProQuest Central | ID: covidwho-1735727
ABSTRACT
Purpose>Education, training and continuing professional development are amongst the evidence-based initiatives for attracting and retaining rural and remote health professionals. With rapidly increasing access to and use of digital technology worldwide, there are new opportunities to leverage training and support for those who are working in rural and remote areas. In this paper we determine the key elements associated with the utility of digital technologies to provide education, training, professional learning and support for rural health workforce outside the University and tertiary sector.Design/methodology/approach>A scoping review of peer-reviewed literature from Australia, Canada, US and New Zealand was conducted in four bibliographic databases – Medline complete, CINAHL, Academic Search complete and Education Complete. Relevant studies published between January 2010 and September 2020 were identified. The Levac et al. (2010) enhanced methodology of the Arksey and O'Malley (2005) framework was used to analyse the literature.Findings>The literature suggests there is mounting evidence demonstrating the potential for online platforms to address the challenges of rural health professional practice and the tyranny of distance. After analysing 22 publications, seven main themes were found – Knowledge and skills (n = 13), access (n = 10), information technology (n = 7), translation of knowledge into practice (n = 6), empowerment and confidence (n = 5), engagement (n = 5) and the need for support (n = 5). Ongoing evaluation will be critical to explore new opportunities for digital technology to demonstrate enhanced capability and retention of rural health professionals.Originality/value>To date there has been limited examination of research that addresses the value of digital platforms on continuing professional development, education and support for rural health professionals outside the university and tertiary training sectors.
Men's Health; Digital technologies; Digital strategies; Online learning; E-learning; Web-based training; Education; Web-based learning; Continuing professional development; Professional learning; Rural health workforce; Digital rural health workforce support; Rural and remote; Databases; Internet; Workforce; Communication; Remote areas; Training; Professional development; Medical personnel; User generated content; Capabilities; Health initiatives; Distance learning; Access; COVID-19; Learning; Empowerment; Online instruction; Tyranny; Rural communities; Retention; Information technology; Professionals; Literature reviews; Digital technology; Translation; Australia
Full text:
Available
Collection:
Databases of international organizations
Database:
ProQuest Central
Language:
English
Journal:
Health Education
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
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