E-learning as an innovative platform for medical doctors in South Africa
Date
2021
Authors
Pillay, Terence
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Abstract
E-learning could be an innovative continued medical education platform for medical doctors in South Africa, especially now with the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on physical contact between pharmaceutical companies’ representatives and doctors. This study aimed to determine and develop a more effective way to reach and provide accurate, credible education for all doctors using an e-learning platform as an alternative to representative visits. This research involved a quantitative study, deploying a survey to a sample of 456 doctors in South Africa via an online platform. The results arising from the analyses to prove the three hypotheses were statistically significant, and all were accepted. In summary doctors in South Africa valued their relationships with medical representatives, but simultaneously questioned the credibility of the education received from the representatives. Many doctors accessed the internet for their own education as one of their channels of education. In view of the research findings, an innovative e-learning platform is proposed to deliver continued medical education to all doctors and to allow for best practices sharing across the medical fraternity in South Africa
Description
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management in Strategic Marketing, 2021
Keywords
E-learning, Medical doctors, South Africa, COVID-19