Strengthening pharmaceutical management in a health centre in South Sudan through e-learning

Details

Serval ID
serval:BIB_EA7897F88024
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Title
Strengthening pharmaceutical management in a health centre in South Sudan through e-learning
Journal
Médecine de Catastrophe - Urgences Collectives
Author(s)
Le Bloc'h F., von Grünigen S., Schumacher L., Berger C., Bonnabry P., Widmer N.
ISSN
1279-8479
Publication state
In Press
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Language
english
Abstract
Introduction: In South Sudan's ongoing humanitarian crisis, Pharmacists Without Borders Switzerland (PSF) implemented an e-learning project at the rural St Vincent Health Care Centre (CSSV) to strengthen pharmaceutical management capabilities.
Methods: Five e-learning modules from the Pharm-Ed project were deployed, covering pharmaceutical management and targeting CSSV staff members. A PSF pharmacist delivered these on a USB stick on an on-site mission in July 2022, along with an initial field assessment using a 23-item evaluation grid. A follow-up assessment in April 2024 also included a workshop on substandard and falsified medical products, with pre- and post-tests to measure learning outcomes.
Results: Only two staff members reported completing the e-learning course and one completed the corresponding examinations. Field assessments showed limited improvements in pharmaceutical management practices, with only 3 out of 23 items progressing substantially. The workshop, attended by all the CSSV staff, resulted in slight increase in knowledge (mean score rising from 3.0 ± 1.6 to 3.7 ± 1.8 out of 10 points).
Discussion: While e-learning shows promise and a growing interest in the literature, our experience highlighted numerous barriers to this method in humanitarian settings (technological issues, language barriers, or unstable geopolitical context). A blended-learning strategy combining online and face-to-face training may be more effective. More structured follow-up and additional field visits could enhance Pharm-Ed modules buy-in, while incorporating practical activities and local language translation could improve workshops.
Conclusion: Without a permanent PSF on-site presence, innovative approaches are needed to transfer skills to the CSSV. Staff expressed interest in further training, indicating potential for future e-learning initiatives in crisis and resource-limited settings, though its effectiveness requires careful adaptation to local contexts and ongoing support.
Create date
19/01/2025 10:15
Last modification date
28/01/2025 14:32
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