An examination of healthcare professional’s barriers and facilitators to adopting E-Learning in palliative care education.

摘要

15th Annual Irish Association of Palliative Care Annual Education & Research Seminar, Dublin. Background Whilst e-learning offers considerable opportunities for more flexible learning to those who cannot access such education in the traditional face-to-face classroom, educators need to understand the challenges and facilitators for learners using e-learning in palliative and end-of-life care. udAim: To examine barriers and facilitators to adopting e-learning in palliative care in Ireland by nurses, doctors, allied health care professionals and healthcare assistants. udObjectives: 1) To understand the barriers that exist for those accessing e-learning courses in palliative care 2) To examine how we can facilitate the adoption of e-learning udDesign & methodology Cross-sectional surveys were developed, piloted and disseminated to clinical staff in Irish hospice services. udResults Only 37% of clinical staff in palliative care had experience of completing a course previously using E-Learning alone. Sixty-two per cent believed there are limitations with E-Learning about palliative care. Nearly one third indicated that remaining motivated would be a challenge in E-Learning. Only thirty-four per cent reported that lacking computer skills would be a barrier to using E-Learning. An analysis of qualitative data indicated that having designated time to carry out E-Learning would be an important facilitator, as well as quick technical and administrative support you could call on and access to computers with a designated quiet space . Eighty per cent of respondents reported that if a course or study module they were interested in became available which had an E-Learning component, they would avail of it. Fifty per cent indicated they would like to receive support face-to-face or hands on training followed by forty-seven per cent reporting online assistance. udConclusion – By understanding healthcare professional’s attitudes, knowledge and experiences of utilizing e-learning, it will provide insight into the barriers that exist in adopting e-learning in palliative care in Ireland and assist us in addressing them.