title: A Brazilian model of distance education in physical medicine and rehabilitation based on videoconferencing and Internet learning.
abstract: We have developed an integrated educational model in rehabilitation mediated by technology. Three teams of professionals worked to implement the interactive model based on videoconferencing, use of the Internet and three-dimensional (3-D) animated models. Two courses were created: amputee rehabilitation and back pain. Each course was divided into four phases: (1) a first videoconference; (2) Internet-based learning; (3) a second videoconference (workshop); (4) an Internet discussion list. The Internet-based learning modules were divided into topics by multiple-choice questions. Multisite videoconferences were used to connect the remote sites. Eleven animated 3-D models were created to help the teaching process. Each course had 11 modules, and each module required up to 2 h to be completed. There were 136 participants on the two courses. None of the participants, including the teachers, had had any previous experience with Internet-based learning and videoconferencing. The integrated educational model has great potential in a country the size of Brazil, where there may be difficulties in travel for patients with disabilities and for health-care professionals.
authors.affiliation: Division of Rehabilitation Medicine, University Hospital, Brazil.
authors.forename: Cristianne Akie
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Kavamoto
authors.forename: Chao Lung
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Wen
authors.forename: Linamara Rizzo
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Battistella
authors.forename: György Miklós
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Böhm
mesh_terms: D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000534:rehabilitation; D001416:Back Pain / Q000628:therapy; D001938:Brazil; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003479:Curriculum; D020375:Education, Distance / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008954:Models, Biological; D010810:Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine / Q000193:education*; D012046:Rehabilitation / Q000193:education; D049269:Videoconferencing / Q000295:instrumentation