How Asia's Medical Schools are Adapting To The Digital Age

The digital age has transformed the world in numerous ways, and the healthcare sector is no exception. Medical schools in Asia are adapting to the digital age, which has become a vital component of medical education in the 21st century. Today, medical students have access to an array of digital resources that enhance their learning experience and better prepare them for real-world healthcare practice.

Due to the continuous advancement in technology in recent years, medical schools in Asia have incorporated various digital tools, such as virtual learning environments, online simulations, and mobile applications, to enhance the quality of medical education. These tools have made medical education more engaging, interactive, and accessible to students. Here are some ways in which medical schools in Asia are adapting to the digital age.

The Use of Virtual Learning Environments

Derek Bok once told in an interview that, "I think the biggest problem in clinical trials is that they are underpowered. And that fundamentally, the studies are just too small.” Previously, we knew that technology was not very advanced, which caused learning procedures to lag. However, as a result of emerging technologies today, medical schools in Asia are now utilising virtual learning environments to provide students with a flexible and personalised learning experience. Students can access course materials at any time and from any location as long as they have internet access. Students can also collaborate with their peers and interact with their instructors in real-time, making the learning experience more engaging and interactive. Medical schools in Asia are increasingly using virtual learning environments to deliver course materials, host discussions, and assess student learning.

For Example, In collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic, Case Western University opened its new Health Education Campus, which is completely cadaver-free. Students from CWRU’s dental, medical and nursing schools will learn anatomy in realistic and transferable ways, through virtual and/or mixed reality devices. Using the HoloLens and CWRU-developed curriculum, medical students will learn anatomy by viewing 3D holograms of the entire body. They will be able to look inside organs from any angle and investigate how different diseases and injuries affect different body parts.

Medical Simulations

Advancing the classroom experience through technologyWith this partnership, Wolters Kluwer takes the gold-standard of clinical skills training, Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking, to the next level for medical students, allowing them to practice clinical reasoning within real-world, timed patient scenarios that provide instantaneous feedback.

Medical simulations are a critical component of medical education, as they allow students to practice clinical skills in a safe and controlled environment. In recent years, medical schools in Asia have incorporated online simulations into their curricula to enhance the learning experience. Online simulations allow students to practice clinical skills in a realistic and immersive environment. These simulations replicate real-world scenarios and allow students to make decisions and take actions that impact the patient's health. Students can also receive immediate feedback on their performance, which allows them to improve their clinical skills and decision-making abilities.

Medical schools in Asia are leveraging online simulations to provide students with a safe and controlled environment to practice clinical skills. These simulations are particularly beneficial for students who may not have access to clinical training due to limited resources or safety concerns.

A Recent news got  aired that Wolters Kluwer takes the gold-standard of clinical skills training, Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and History taking, to the next level for medical students, allowing them to practice clinical reasoning within real-world, timed patient scenarios that provide instantaneous feedback. Consider how quickly technology is progressing.  Today, surgical simulations allow medical students and residents to practice surgical procedures and techniques on virtual or physical models before performing them on real patients. Similarly, virtual reality simulators can simulate the experience of performing a laparoscopic surgery, allowing trainees to practice before working with actual patients.              

Usage of Mobile applications

Mobile applications are becoming increasingly popular in medical education. Medical schools in Asia are developing mobile applications that provide students with access to course materials, clinical guidelines, and other resources. These applications are particularly useful for medical students who are always on the go.

Mobile applications allow students to access course materials, clinical guidelines, and other resources at any time and from anywhere. They can also receive notifications about upcoming assignments, exams, and other important events. Medical schools in Asia are increasingly using mobile applications to enhance the learning experience and provide students with a personalized learning experience.

By leveraging digital tools and resources, medical schools can enhance the quality of medical education and better prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century healthcare practice. The future of medical education in Asia is digital, and medical schools must embrace this reality to ensure their students are well-equipped to meet the challenges of the future.