Implementation of a virtual international cardiology curriculum to address the deficit of cardiovascular education in Haiti: a pilot study

Abstract

BackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, conferring a disparate burden on low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Haiti represents a resource-constrained setting, limited by a paucity of resources and trained cardiovascular professionals equipped to address the increasing burden of CVD.ObjectiveHere, we describe the creation of a comprehensive cardiology curriculum delivered through a virtual classroom. The curriculum was created to augment cardiovascular education in LMICs such as Haiti.MethodsOver one academic year (May 2019–2020), International Cardiology Curriculum Accessible by Remote Distance Learning-Haiti consisted of biweekly, live-streamed, synchronous didactic lectures, seminars and case presentations broadcasted to 16 internal medicine (IM) residents at Hôpital Universitaire de Mirebalais, one of only four IM training programmes in Haiti. The virtual classroom was created using commercially available videoconferencing and data-sharing platforms. Prelecture and postlecture surveys and an end of the year survey were administered to assess the impact of the curriculum.ResultsParticipant performance analysis revealed that 80% of the curriculum demonstrated a positive trend in knowledge acquisition postintervention. Based on the end of the year evaluation, 94% of participants reported that the curriculum was educational and relevant to medical practice in Haiti and 100% reported that the curriculum was good to excellent. Additionally, the curriculum was cited as an effective means of maintaining trainee education during the COVID-19 pandemic.ConclusionThis international medical education pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of augmenting cardiology education in LMICs by creating a virtual curriculum made possible by local partnerships, internet access and technology.

Revisão Sistemática De Literatura Quanto Ao Ensino Remoto Emergencial Na Área De Ciências Biológicas Durante a Pandemia De Covid-19: Percepção De Docentes E Discentes, Uso De Tecnologias Digitais Da Informação E Da Comunicação, Lições Aprendidas Para a Construção De Uma Nova Forma De Ensino

“…As discussões em grupo ocorriam também em plataformas de reuniões com auxílio de ferramentas educacionais como Moodle e sistemas de administração de E-learning. Em algumas ocasiões, anteriormente à aula síncrona, poderia haver o compartilhamento de um livro, texto ou outro material que deveria ser discutido em aula, utilizando a metodologia de sala de aula invertida (Amir et al, 2020;Rehman & Fatima;2020;Langegård, Kiani, Nielsen, & Svensson, 2021;Haynes et al, 2021).…”

‘The Digital Cardiologist’: How Technology Is Changing the Paradigm of Cardiology Training

“…This has implications not only for FITs in countries in which there is a comprehensive cardiology curriculum, but also to FITs from across the world, especially low-middle income healthcare settings, who otherwise may not get this breadth of expertise in their training (19).…”

Qualitative Assessment of a virtual cardiovascular medical education Program in Haiti: local physicians in-training experiences

“…Developed by Global Medical Education Network Inc (GMEN), this innovative virtual learning platform (VLP) aims to bridge the educational gap and provide essential training experiences for healthcare professionals in Port-au-Prince, Mirebalais and Cap-Haitian. (5) Through the integration of technological advancements like interactive webinars, online case discussions, and virtual simulations, the program strives to enhance the delivery of cardiology continuing medical education in a cost-effective and accessible manner. (4) Participant analysis showed an 80% increase in knowledge acquisition post-intervention.…”

“…Additionally, it effectively supported trainee education during the COVID-19 pandemic. (5) While the ICARDs program has demonstrated promising outcomes, little is known about the participants' experiences and perceptions. Understanding the impact and effectiveness of the program is crucial for optimizing its content and delivery, ultimately leading to improved cardiovascular care in Haiti.…”