Jean Paul Hategekimana, a data manager at Kinihira Provincial Hospital has yet another achievement that will enhance his work — a certificate in data quality training. Unique from others, it is the first ever e-learning training pioneered by the Ministry of Health to give an opportunity to health sector employees countrywide to obtain the same up-to-date knowledge regarding health system updates within the same period of time. It is a platform for Hategekimana and colleagues to sharpen their skills without having to move from their respective work stations. The training includes data managers from over 56 facilities, including referral, provincial, district and private hospitals. Data managers then earn certificates following getting hands-on skills to improve their work.
"It was easy balancing my work with the online training; I would take up my quizzes during the lunch-break. I also found the e-learning training interactive and one that fosters feedback,” says Hategekimana.
According to Andrew Muhire, the monitoring & evaluation and report lead specialist at the Ministry of Health, nine modules were initially developed to commence the e-learning for a variety of staff, ranging from physicians to health system data managers. All courses collectively aid in continuous human resource development and support for institutional capacity building. Various tools such as reading materials, quizzes, video conferencing and course evaluations are provided to e-learning users to aid in capacity building and to continuously improve the e-learning user experience over time.
"In the digitalisation era instead of moving people for learning, we have to move learning to the people,” says Muhire.
"The Ministry of Health is turning all traditional trainings into e-training aiming to improve all trainings and allow people to learn at their own pace,” he adds.
As Muhire explains, the trainings’ systematic process enables participants to earn their success. For example, through the quizzes, an assessment about how well participants have mastered different concepts is evaluated. The passing mark is 80 per cent and unsuccessful learners are given an opportunity to repeat the quiz.
E-learning was the missing piece of the puzzle to ensure patients are well taken care of while medical practitioners improve their skills at the same time. "Rwanda has invested in ICT, it is only important that we make good use of it in improving health service delivery,” says Muhire.
Before e-learning, patients would complain of medic absenteeism while they attended traditional trainings in Kigali. The e-learning platform is userfriendly and compatible with a wide range of electronic devices: smart phones, desktop computers, tablets, and laptops. Previously, some departments would close at times to ensure staff attend trainings, now that e-learning was introduced it has proven to be successful.
"In-service trainings were very expensive and less sustainable. On the other hand, e-learning trainings are cost effective and give us the comfort to fulfill our daily obligations,” says Immaculate Muzirantenge, data manager at Croix du Sud, a private hospital.
"To me, it is the first time technology has brought practical development. I learned more on comparing and interpreting data in specific periods. This advanced way of training also provides the chance to share documents online, even after they are finished,” says Solange Twahirwa, a participant from Kigeme Hospital.
Additionally, the use of e-learning standardises the quality of courses, affords health service providers flexibility in the time, location, and pace at which they consume this information, and finally, reduces health worker absenteeism. And while Hategekimana emerged at the top in the e-learning training with 98 per cent, his thirst for such initiatives increased. After all, he can balance the training and work.
editor@newtimesrwanda.com