A conceptual model for analysing informal learning in online social networks for health professionals

Authors

Xin Li, University of Melbourne
Kathleen Gray, University of Melbourne
Shanton Chang, University of Melbourne
Kristine Elliott, University of Melbourne
Stephen Barnett, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

93993

Publication Details

Li, X., Gray, K., Chang, S., Elliott, K. & Barnett, S. (2014). A conceptual model for analysing informal learning in online social networks for health professionals. Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, 204 80-85.

Abstract

Online social networking (OSN) provides a new way for health professionals to communicate, collaborate and share ideas with each other for informal learning on a massive scale. It has important implications for ongoing efforts to support Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in the health professions. However, the challenge of analysing the data generated in OSNs makes it difficult to understand whether and how they are useful for CPD. This paper presents a conceptual model for using mixed methods to study data from OSNs to examine the efficacy of OSN in supporting informal learning of health professionals. It is expected that using this model with the dataset generated in OSNs for informal learning will produce new and important insights into how well this innovation in CPD is serving professionals and the healthcare system.