E-learning/online education in transfusion medicine: A cross-sectional international survey

OBJECTIVES: This survey aims to assess the scope of transfusion e-learning courses in blood establishments and transfusion services internationally.

BACKGROUND: E-learning/online education is increasingly used in the education of medical professionals. There is limited published data on the use of e-learning for transfusion medicine.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: An International survey was designed and distributed to all members of the International Society of Blood Transfusion to assess utilisation of e-learning in their institutions. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the results.

RESULTS: A total of 177 respondents participated, 68 of which had e-learning modules in their institutions. Approximately two-thirds of the courses were developed in-house (66%), and 63% are available to learners from outside the host institutions. In one-third of institutions, these courses were established during the COVID-19 pandemic, while 15% had used e-learning courses for more than 10 years. The courses target different audiences and topics ranging from blood donation to hemovigilance. The most common audiences were physicians (71%), laboratory scientists/technologists (69%) and transfusion practitioners (63%). Formal assessment of learning outcomes is used in 70% of the programs.

CONCLUSIONS: The survey demonstrates the widespread use of e-learning courses in transfusion education, with a substantial proportion being developed during the COVID-19 pandemic.