Developing Global Open Access COVID-19 Education for Frontline Healthcare Workers

Abstract

Background: Early in the Covid-19 pandemic, we identified a heightened need for a reliable, high-quality, accessible, and evidence-based educational resource for frontline healthcare workers. Open access virtual education can reduce disparities in access to education by minimizing cost barriers and providing equitable access to educational content. Our team of global healthcare educators responded by creating an open access competency-based online course to address access disparities around Covid-19 information. The course was aimed toward frontline healthcare workers globally and included design elements such as a built-in language translation tool and non-linear course design to facilitate access and address the individual’s educational needs. Methods: Pre- and post-course surveys were collected to evaluate how the course addressed learner needs. Data were collected between the course launch in April 2020 through December 2020. Results: An initial population of students (N=149) ranging from high school through doctoral education, living in 23 different countries, speaking 22 different native languages took the course and participated in the pre- and/or post-course surveys. Overall, participants rated the course highly. Conclusion: Open access educational models can facilitate equitable access to education for a global audience.