Guest editorial: Digital solutions to bridging the gap between health services and workforce in rural areas

Abstract

[...]in most of these studies there was also a link between e-learning literacy and engagement in online learning. [...]it could be concluded that whilst the expansion of available e-learning resources and continuing advances in technology will enable many rural health professionals to access learning, it is of utmost importance that the intended audience is adequately supported to develop digital literacy and to put the learning into practice. The article by Johnsson, Lincoln, Bundy, Costley and Bulkeley titled “Evaluation of a webinar and video-conferencing support program designed to upskill staff working with children with autism in remote areas”, evaluated a novel webinar training and individual online support programme for 36 allied health, education and community support staff. The authors present a case study that demonstrates the value of a co-design process and key learning design choices in online course development to meet the educational needs of learners from broad disciplinary backgrounds, in various stages of learning/understanding of telehealth and/or requiring a practice-based resource in the context of a rapidly changing policy environment. [...]it is the CHWs in the Udupi district that help bridge the gap between thousands of India's rural remote populace and the health systems.