Use of mobile learning by resident physicians in Botswana.
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Date
2012-02-03
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Abstract
With the growth of mobile health in recent years learning through the use of mobile devices mobile learning mLearning has gained recognition as a potential method for increasing healthcare providers access to medical information and resources in resource limited settings In partnership with the University of Botswana School of Medicine SOM we have been exploring the role of smartphone based mLearning with resident physicians in specialty training education The SOM which admitted its first class of medical students and residents in 2009 is committed to providing high level on site educational resources for resident physicians even when practicing in remote locations Seven residents were trained to use an Android based myTouch 3G smartphone equipped with data enabled subscriber identity module SIM cards and built in camera Phones contained locally loaded point of care and drug information applications a telemedicine application that allows for the submission of cases to local mentors and e mail Web access Surveys were administered at 4 weeks and 8 weeks following distribution of phones We found that smartphones loaded with point of care tools are effectively utilized by resident physicians in resource limited settings both for accessing point of care medical information at the bedside and engaging in self directed learning at home