Clinical training at remote sites using mobile technology: an India–USA partnership

Abstract

Christian Medical College (CMC), India, and Tufts University School of Medicine, USA, have developed an ‘institutional hub and spokes’ model (campus‐based e‐learning supporting m‐learning in the field) to facilitate clinical education and training at remote secondary hospital sites across India. Iterative research, design, development, and testing merged three key elements for effective mobile learning: an underlying learning management system to organize data; mobile access to a knowledge repository using commonly owned phones; and mobile applications that match the learner, learning theory, and mode of learning based on student‐articulated needs. CMC is institutionalizing academic and technical support for e‐learning and m‐learning, ensuring future sustainability. Assessing and sharing best practices for mobile‐supported training and resources will leverage strengths and build capacity across the CMC–secondary hospital mobile/e‐learning network. This model can advance interdisciplinary health training initiatives in developing countries, improving clinical services and health for underserved populations across the world.