Post-Academic Masters Course in Management of Transfusion Medicine: Why the Difference in Access to the eLearning Between Countries?

Health care includes supportive services such as laboratory, radiology and blood transfusion. Blood safety and sustainability of the blood supply is increasingly organized on a WHO advocated nationally supported principle where regional blood procurement centres supply hospitals. To manage such regional or national blood supply centres, leadership development is paramount. Since 2004, WHO has initiated a specific post-academic Masters course focused on management of Transfusion Medicine (MMTM). This MMTM course is largely based on eLearning (distance learning principle). Approach - Since the eLearning course became operational in 2006 there have been registered two dozens of qualified fellows from a variety of developing countries and a few more advanced countries. Fellows are provided personal electronic instructions how to access once all criteria including acceptance of a proper post-academic dissertation proposal have been met. The access codes are personal and not public and need to be archived during the course to guarantee a continued access over time. Fellows were followed during the eLearning period and their progress monitored and evaluated. Specific attention was given to the ease of handling the e-environment and its related e-technicalities. Fundamental are access to internet, uninterrupted power supply, consistence of use of a computer (PC or laptop) and computer literacy. Results - Most of the fellows come from developing parts of the world, predominantly sub-Saharan Africa. There are distinct differences in country infrastructure and e-environment. Although academically qualified (in-country University diploma's) a majority is not familiar with e-technology and computer handling other than some internet exploring and basic office functions like Word and PPT. Accessibility awareness is not really developed. Major obstacles encountered are - inconsistent internet access due to supplier problems; unreliable power supply due to poor and incompetent infrastructure; virus contamination of lap tops and PCs due to frequent uncontrolled use of memory sticks in internet cafe's and through friends and relatives; poor and not maintained firewall conditions; mediocre computer literacy, particularly when skills beyond basic office functions are required; lap top and PC breakdown due to uncontrolled working conditions and improper working environments; Conclusions - As fellows are scattered around the world, and live in developing societies with a limited e-and ICT teaching infrastructure, it would be appropriate to include in the eLearning package an instructive e-module on how to handle and manage the eLearning tools, how to manage day-to-day problems of access and downloading, as well as re-access for e. g. e-exams and access to new modules in the course. Such instructive e-module would contribute to a better accessibility awareness leading to a more easy and customer friendly e-access.