Text messages as a learning tool for midwives

Files
woods_text_2012.pdf(105.34 KB)
Date
2012-01-27
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Health & Medical Publishing Group
Abstract
The use of cell phone text messaging to improve access to continuing healthcare education in under-resourced settings is not well documented. We aimed to assess whether this method of education is acceptable to South African midwives in both the public and private sectors. Essential healthcare lessons from the Maternal Care book of the Perinatal Education Programme (PEP) were delivered via text message to more than 2 500 midwives each week for a period of 6 months. Each message concluded with a link to a website, where additional information about each lesson could be accessed. Results of a survey, conducted with 50 of the message recipients, demonstrated that the text messages were well received by the midwives; the information was widely shared with colleagues and was believed to improve learning and patient care. Lack of access to the internet, or failure to utilise this facility to obtain additional information, indicated that limitations still exist in internet-based distance education, especially in the public sector. The use of text messaging promises to provide cost-effective learning opportunities, and improve a wide range of clinical services, such as the management of HIV-infected children and adults.
Description
CITATION: Woods, D., Atwell, A., Ross, K. & Theron, G. 2012. Text messages as a learning tool for midwives. South African Medical Journal, 102(2):100-101.
The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.za
Keywords
Text messages (Cell phone systems), Midwives, Health education
Citation
SAMJ South African Medical Journal
Woods, D., Atwell, A., Ross, K. & Theron, G. 2012. Text messages as a learning tool for midwives. South African Medical Journal, 102(2):100-101.
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/82638
Collections
Research Articles (Obstetrics and Gynaecology)