E-learning 'driving forward general medicine education market'

Online training has become a major driver in the market for general medicine education, with resources such as e-books and digital learning materials on the rise.

This is according to a new report released by Transparency Market Research, which pointed to a number of successful strategies used by players in the e-learning industry such as online reference tools, mobile applications and digital textbooks or reference books.

In addition, it was found that using multimedia content to train employees is becoming more popular among healthcare leaders, as well as distance learning platforms and online assessment software.

The firm discovered the global publishing market - for both online and print platforms - was worth $2.45 billion (£1.5 billion) in 2012 and this figure could reach $3.6 billion in 2018, marking a compound annual growth rate of 6.8 per cent.

However, the publication further revealed the low adoption rate of online education in developing parts of the world could be holding these regions back, as they are not exposed to modern technology and cannot receive the same benefits as students in more affluent countries.

Indeed, it stated more than half of consumers globally do not have access to the internet, which means the quality of their general medicine education - which is related to the prevention, diagnosis and subsequent treatment of adult diseases - could be severely compromised.

Therefore, it may be vital for any healthcare workers who are living in parts of the world where these resources are available to make use of e-learning.

A number of training providers throughout the UK offer online services in healthcare, one of which is Virtual College. As well as providing modules in Dementia Awareness, Infection Prevention and Control and Aseptic Techniques, it also runs its own Lean Masterclass through its Healthcare E-Academy.

With this course - which can be attended at both Foundation and Advanced levels - employers can their Service Improvement team while developing their own knowledge.