Learner’s feedback on the use of free, globally accessible CME-accredited e-learning modules in Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (Preprint)

Background:

The European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) e-Learning website, www.espe-elearning.org, is a free, globally accessible online resource to enhance learning in Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes. The content is created by world-leading experts in Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes and is closely aligned with published international consensus guidelines. In August 2022, 30 hours of e-learning courses received accreditation from the European Accreditation Council for CME (EACCME®). These CME courses cover three categories: (1) Paediatric Endocrinology, (2) Paediatric Diabetes, and (3) Paediatric Endocrinology in Resource Limited Setting.

Objective:

To assess learners' demographics and feedback from mandatory surveys after completion of CME e-learning courses, and identify areas for improvement

Methods:

The ESPE e-learning committee created a mandatory survey for each CME e-learning module. The survey includes baseline demographics and feedback on the quality of the learning content, assessed using a five-level Likert scale. Data was extracted from the start of the CME modules in August 2022 until April 2024.

Results:

From August 2022 until April 2024, 324 surveys were completed: 144 (44%) in the category Paediatric Endocrinology, 140 (43%) in the category Paediatric Diabetes ISPAD Guidelines, and 40 (12%) in the category Paediatric Endocrinology in Resource Limited Setting. There was global participation, with most learners practising in Europe (n=202 (62%)), followed by the Americas (n=36 [11 %] North America, n=11 [3%] South America), Asia (n= 45 [14%]), Africa (n=29 [9%]), and Oceania (n=1 [0.31%]). Most of the users indicated to be medical experts (37%), followed by fellows/residents (33%), medical students and nurses (7% and 8%, respectively); 9% of learners practise in resource-limited countries. Overall, the learning content was well received for all modules regarding accessibility, organisation, level of interest, improvement of learner’s clinical practice, appropriateness of content and provision of feedback (Likert scale 1-2/5). Learners’ free-text feedback identified some areas of improvement, including reducing text-heavy content, providing more graphical content and more interactive case reports. Most learners' free text feedback consists of encouraging and thankful comments.

Conclusions:

The ESPE CME-accredited e-learning modules are well-received and accessed globally to provide free CME education in Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes.