title: Quality specifications in postgraduate medical e-learning: an integrative literature review leading to a postgraduate medical e-learning model.
abstract: E-learning is driving major shifts in medical education. Prioritizing learning theories and quality models improves the success of e-learning programs. Although many e-learning quality standards are available, few are focused on postgraduate medical education.
  
  
  
  We conducted an integrative review of the current postgraduate medical e-learning literature to identify quality specifications. The literature was thematically organized into a working model.
  
  
  
  Unique quality specifications (n = 72) were consolidated and re-organized into a six-domain model that we called the Postgraduate Medical E-learning Model (Postgraduate ME Model). This model was partially based on the ISO-19796 standard, and drew on cognitive load multimedia principles. The domains of the model are preparation, software design and system specifications, communication, content, assessment, and maintenance.
  
  
  
  This review clarified the current state of postgraduate medical e-learning standards and specifications. It also synthesized these specifications into a single working model. To validate our findings, the next-steps include testing the Postgraduate ME Model in controlled e-learning settings.
authors.affiliation: Athena Institute for Trans-disciplinary Research, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1118, Amsterdam, 1081 HZ, The Netherlands. r.deleeuw@vumc.nl.
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: De Leeuw
authors.affiliation: VUmc, School of Medical Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Michiel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Westerman
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, USA.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Nelson
authors.affiliation: VU University Amsterdam, University Library, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: J C F
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Ket
authors.affiliation: Athena Institute for Trans-disciplinary Research, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1118, Amsterdam, 1081 HZ, The Netherlands.|VUmc, School of Medical Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Scheele
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D003142:Communication; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D019300:Medical Errors / Q000517:prevention & control; D016544:Patient Simulation; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D012985:Software Design
keywords: Distance learning; E-learning; Education; Integrative review; Medical e-learning; Medical education; Postgraduate medical education; Quality model