How can you benefit from eLearning in healthcare?

In today’s digital age, education has transcended the traditional classroom setting. eLearning, or electronic learning, has revolutionised the way we acquire knowledge and skills. But what exactly is eLearning, how does it work, and how can it benefit you in your healthcare career? 

Understanding eLearning 

eLearning, or electronic learning, refers to the use of digital platforms to deliver educational content. This can range from core statutory and mandatory training to soft skills development, such as how to have difficult conversations. In most cases, it involves using computers, tablets, or smartphones to deliver courses, training programmes, or educational content. eLearning can take various forms, including: 

• Online courses: structured courses available via an eLearning provider.
• Webinars: live or recorded seminars conducted over the web.
• Interactive modules: self-paced learning that often include multimedia elements like videos, quizzes, and simulations. 

Key benefits of eLearning for healthcare staff 

One of the key benefits of eLearning vs classroom or in person learning is that it allows learners to access training materials anytime and anywhere, making it an ideal option for healthcare professionals. But there are many other benefits associated with it:  

• Flexibility and convenience: With eLearning, you can complete training at your own pace, fitting it around your work schedule. This is particularly beneficial for shift workers and those with demanding roles. 
• Consistent and standardised training: eLearning offers standardised training modules that ensure all healthcare staff receive the same high-quality education, regardless of their location or role.
• Cost-effective: eLearning reduces the need for travel and accommodation costs associated with traditional classroom training. It also minimises time away from patient care.
• Accessible and inclusive: Digital platforms can be designed to be accessible to all learners, including those with disabilities, and consider different learning styles. This ensures that everyone can benefit from training. 

How to use eLearning in your role 

1. Enrol in relevant courses: Identify the statutory and mandatory training required for your role. Skills for Health offers a wide range of courses, from safeguarding and infection control to fire safety and data protection. 
2. Collect Continued Professional Development (CPD)credits: eLearning providers can offer CPD credits for eLearning. Courses offered through Skills for Health such as Autism and Learning Disabilities Awareness offer CPD credits upon successful completion.  
3. Access training materials: Once enrolled, you can access training materials online. These may include interactive modules, video tutorials, and assessments. It’s worth noting down anything that you think will be of use in your current or future roles, so you can refer to your learning. 
4. Complete assessments: Many eLearning courses include assessments to test your knowledge and understanding. Successfully completing these assessments may be required to demonstrate compliance with statutory and mandatory training requirements.
5. Track your progress: Whether you have set yourself goals of personal development, or you are undertaking core statutory and mandatory training, you can use learning management systems to monitor your progress and ensure you complete all necessary training within the required timeframe.
6. Be aware of refresher periods: Most statutory and mandatory training will need to be retaken periodically. Be aware of what courses you’re enrolled in and once completed, when the recommended refresher period starts. Learning management systems, such as LearnSpace, can also be used to remind you of upcoming deadlines. 

Transporting knowledge across the healthcare system 

 One of the significant advantages of eLearning is the portability of the knowledge you gain. Here’s how it benefits the wider healthcare system: 

1. Consistent standards: eLearning ensures that all healthcare staff, regardless of where they work, receive the same standard of training. This consistency is crucial for maintaining high standards of patient care across the UK. 
2. Improved collaboration: When healthcare professionals have a shared understanding of best practices and protocols, it enhances teamwork and collaboration, leading to better patient outcomes. 
3. Ease of updating skills: Healthcare is a rapidly evolving field. eLearning allows for quick updates to training materials, ensuring that staff are always equipped with the latest knowledge and skills. 
4. Career development: eLearning provides opportunities for continuous professional development. By keeping your skills up to date, you can improve career prospects and take on new roles and responsibilities. 

eLearning is a powerful tool for healthcare employees and staff across the UK. By taking eLearning courses like those from Skills for Health, you can access essential statutory and mandatory training that is flexible, standardised, and cost-effective, improve soft skills and achieve personal development goals.  

eLearning not only benefits you as an individual but also contributes to the overall improvement of the healthcare system. Use eLearning to stay at the forefront of your profession and deliver the highest quality of care to your patients. 

Get in touch

Want to learn more about Skills for Health eLearning? Visit our online shop or contact us to speak with a Client Director.