Indian Physiotherapists’ Experience of Learning Musculoskeletal Skills Using E-learning Resources: A Qualitative Study

Health & well being students in United Kingdom acquire knowledge through blended learning approach, involving both classroom learning and using web based educational applications. This system of learning is new to Indian physiotherapy students studying in United Kingdom.

This study was conducted to gain the insight into learning musculoskeletal skills using elearning resources, to determine the barriers encountered and to gain an understanding of the approach used to facilitate the use of e-learning resources in Indian healthcare education system.

Face to face, semi-structured interviews were conducted with Indian students enrolled in the MSc Applying physiotherapy course at Sheffield Hallam University, UK. A qualitative approach was used to analyze the data.

This approach to learning provides wide range of information about any given topic, it promotes evidence based learning and continuous professional development by providing access to up to date information and researches in the field of physiotherapy, it promotes self-paced learning and it is time saving. Participants’ responses elicited issues addressing the need for practical sessions for learning hands-on skills, direct feedback from the tutor, lack of tutor-peer interaction and support, restricted access to paid databases and study materials, personal inclination towards particular learning style and technical challenges. Participants recommended strategies to overcome barriers such as incorporating online group discussion sessions into the modules, upgrade access and availability of the e-learning materials. Peer review further supports the reliability of the data analysis.