When
I was a young nurse working in isolated communities, ongoing education
or continuing education was non-existent. Reading books, magazines
and other publications, relying and learning from your colleagues
was about the best we could do. Occasionally a visiting physician
might have time to do some teaching during his brief time in the
community. Communication with the “south” was with two-way radio;
getting help by way of instruction or important information was
dependent upon the weather.
New
technology and distance education changed all of that, not only
for those of us working in remote and rural communities, but for
the larger community as well. Distance education using a variety
of means has sometimes meant you still needed to leave your home
environment for a more centralized site. However, add in the e-learning
and you can watch a video, listen to an audio presentation, watch
a PowerPoint slide show at the same time, or speak directly with
the expert at the other end of the computer though the web camera.
E-learning
for both the client and the health care provider opens up doors
that had not been possible previously: you can stay in your home
or community and be linked to the health care system for services.
The public is able to find out more about their own health conditions,
be more informed and able to be an active partner in their health
care. Health care providers can upgrade their skills; certificate
courses and even degrees can now be accessed by means of e-learning/distance
education. Younger health professionals who are reluctant to leave
the city because of isolation from expertise can now be mentored
electronically. Rounds can be attended electronically. There is
very little by way of education and learning that cannot happen
through distance education and e-learning.
With
the goal of optimal health for all, we need to increase our efforts
in improving the infrastructure and availability of communication
technology. With satellite and broadband technology, distance education
and e-learning should be available to all Canadians and indeed to
the entire world in the not too distant future.
