ODeL Enabled Conceptual Model for Training Healthcare Functionaries for Managing Pandemics

Abstract

Healthcare scenario is radically changing at a fast pace. This change is not only in the direction of newer investigative technologies and management strategies, but also in trying to combat the newly emerging and re-emerging diseases like Ebola, H1N1, COVID-19 and plague etc. The health care functionaries are not geared to deal with this emergent emergency situation, since their basic training lacked information about these diseases and the management and containment at such a massive scale. This paper reviews the evolving trends in providing teaching, learning, and training through ODeL with special reference to healthcare. It also reviews how ICTs are being used in sensitising and training, healthcare functionaries for management of situations like critical care, emerging disease outbreak etc. The different ODeL models have been described in this paper. The features of web of things and web of thoughts which may be an important component of the future ODeL has been highlighted. A dynamic conceptual model for training healthcare functionaries for managing pandemics has been suggested, which will enable online training in competencies using the latest technologies like personalised learning environments, the internet of things, big data, and learning analytics etc. The content and components of this model can be evolved with time and can be customised as per the requirement. The provision of connecting the trainees across geographical boundaries will enable them to remain abreast with the latest changes and strategies and apply them after improvising in their ground situations.