The Future of Medical Education: Challenges and Opportunities. What to Expect in 2023?
As we approach 2023, medical education continues to evolve rapidly in response to the age of information overload.
With physicians seeking faster, more convenient access to the latest research and treatments, where are they looking for answers?
Elsevier’s Pharma & Life Sciences Solution Team has been working to answer this question by gathering responses from over 3,500 physicians in two global surveys conducted in 2019 and 2021. The results are clear: physicians are increasingly turning to online resources for information, with survey respondents reporting a higher usage of online resources in 2021 compared to 2019.
This shift towards online learning is driven by key factors such as availability, conciliation, and comfort. While these may seem trivial, they are actually vital in enabling physicians to access the latest knowledge and connect with peers across the globe. However, with the digitalization of the healthcare sector, some skepticism and discussion have arisen around the role of technology in medical education.
Looking towards the future, we expect to see a continued growth in online resources for medical education. As healthcare professionals seek greater accessibility and relevance in their professional development, high-quality online continuing medical education (CME) courses and emerging technologies will only continue to grow in importance.
By staying up to date with the latest trends in medical education, healthcare professionals can ensure they are providing the best care possible to their patients.
How will online CME impact traditional in-situ events in 2023, and what challenges will it face?
As medical education continues to evolve in response to the digital age, online resources are increasingly becoming the go-to source for physicians seeking faster, more convenient access to the latest research and treatments. But does the rise of online continuing medical education (CME) mean the end of traditional in-situ events? And what are the challenges that online CME faces in 2023?
To try and answer these questions, Xpeer Medical Education recently organized a comprehensive webinar featuring two leading experts in the field: Greg Martin, MD, MPH, MBA, a renowned public health medicine specialist with significant influence in the healthcare sector, and Christine Marie Lunardelli, Brand Manager at Epilepsy Switzerland for the Angelini Pharma Company's product launch.
During the webinar, the experts shared their insights on the development of CME in the digital era, with a strong focus on post-COVID advancements. They discussed the benefits of online learning, such as convenience, accessibility, and flexibility, as well as the value of in-person education and the importance of face-to-face interactions, networking, and developing relationships.
However, the experts also stressed the importance of viewing online resources as a complementary ally to in-situ events, rather than an enemy. They highlighted the fact that methodology is only the channel through which the student learns, and that new technologies can be powerful and effective tools in the HCP educational armamentarium.
Ultimately, the rise of online CME offers an opportunity to democratize medical education, making it more accessible to physicians all over the world. But it's important to remember that both online and in-person events have their own unique benefits, and that they are called to coexist.
As we approach 2023, the future of medical education is sure to continue evolving, and it will be fascinating to see how these developments impact the field over the coming years.
Challenges of online CME in 2023
As the world continues to embrace digitalization, online medical education has become more prevalent and popular. However, while online CME (Continuing Medical Education) offers convenience, accessibility, and flexibility to busy healthcare professionals (HCPs), it also faces some significant challenges.
According to Dr. Greg Martin, a renowned public health medicine specialist, finding the perfect blend of in-person and online education remains a significant hurdle. Maintaining high-quality content and keeping students engaged are critical factors in successful online medical education. In a virtual setting, online CME competes with everyday distractions, making it challenging to keep HCPs motivated and focused.
As new generations of HCPs emerge, the way online CME is delivered also needs to evolve. Short, visual, and interactive content is preferred by young doctors who are accustomed to a fast-paced and constantly evolving environment. Microlearning methodologies have been proven to be effective in helping with message retention. Additionally, visual content is highly preferred among HCPs as it helps them retain information.
To make online medical education engaging and effective, educators need to be creative in their delivery and incorporate opportunities for collaboration, discussion, and feedback. Technology is advancing rapidly, and educators must keep up with new tools to engage students effectively.
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As we look towards the future of online CME in 2023, it's essential to recognize that technology will continue to play an increasingly critical role in medical education. However, striking the right balance between in-person and online education and creating engaging, multimedia content remains a challenge. With the right strategies and tools, though, online CME can democratize medical education, making it accessible to a broader audience of healthcare professionals.
The patient as the center of medical education
As the world of medicine continues to expand and evolve, keeping up with the latest information and trends is crucial for healthcare providers to provide the best possible care to their patients. The rise of digital and online resources has made it easier than ever to access medical education, but what does this mean for the patient?
According to Christine Marie Lunardelli, Brand Manager at Epilepsy Switzerland for Angelini Pharma, the patient should always be at the center of medical education. HCPs and pharma companies have a shared goal of improving patient outcomes, and providing high-quality medical education is essential to achieving that goal. By staying well-educated and up-to-date on the latest research and treatments, healthcare providers are better equipped to make informed decisions and save lives.
To meet the educational needs of HCPs, both traditional in-person events and digital resources have a role to play. In-person events provide valuable opportunities for networking and collaboration, while digital resources offer flexibility and convenience for those with busy schedules and family obligations.
But regardless of the format, the focus should always be on providing high-quality information that supports the work of healthcare providers and ultimately benefits the patient. As discussed in the Xpeer Medical Education webinar, offering a variety of options, formats, and resources is key to meeting the diverse needs and preferences of HCPs. By giving physicians the freedom to choose the training path that works best for them, we can ensure that they have the tools they need to provide the best possible care to their patients.
If you missed the webinar “Online vs In person: Medical Challenges in 2023”, do not panic. It is available on demand on the Xpeer app! Watch it now and gain valuable understanding on:
With expert insights from:
Christine Marie Lunardelli: Brand Manager Epilepsy Switzerland - Angelini Pharma Company.
Daniela Clape: Specialist in medical education, CEO and founder of Xpeer.
Greg Martin, MD, MPH, MBA is a specialist in public health medicine at Health Service Executive in Ireland. He is also the Editor-in-chief of Globalization and Health and is one of the founding directors of Wellola.
Xpeer Medical Education is a digital platform providing continuing medical education for healthcare professionals. It is the only app accredited by the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS), recognizable in 27 countries! Xpeer provides instant EACCME credits using a microlearning methodology (bite-sized medical education videos!) in a wide variety of topics, including clinical practice, soft skills and technology.
Join our medical community, register now and watch the complete webinar 👇 !
By: Blanca de Alarcón (2023)
Director at EVOLPRO T&E, Teacher at AMAN, CFGV, Idioma Independente. Mentor. Speaker. Mastering in Innovative Education by UE-Madrid. Developing people and resources for tomorrow.
1yGreat topic and initiative. As we see new generations of medical professionals and new medical branches like Robotics and Telemedicine, education plataforms like Xpeer will be progressively more demanded everywhere.