E-learning Supporting Surgical Training in Low-Resource Settings

Surgical training is most needed in low-resource settings (LRSs) worldwide. Technological advances provide new tools to expand and enhance surgical training in these settings. Accessible technologies such as e-learning can achieve an immediate impact on training. LRS trainees regard both e-learning resources specifically designed for their context, and those designed for other contexts, as valuable. However, LRS trainees have some specific learning needs which are best addressed through LRS learner-centred content. Challenges to creating valuable educational experiences include infrastructural deficiencies, difficulties in finding and accessing resources, variable quality of material, incompleteness, repetition, and a lack of context- and curricula-focused material. Future efforts should focus on improving the findability, quality, and contextual appropriateness of educational resources, while emphasizing sustainability and local ownership. The appropriateness, acceptability, and impact of available e-learning resources in LRSs should be evaluated.