Performance evaluation is one of the most critical components in assuring the comprehensive development of e-learning in medical education (e-LMED). Although several studies evaluate performance in e-LMED, no study presently maps the rising scientific knowledge and evolutionary patterns that establish a solid background to investigate and quantify the efficacy of the evaluation of performance in e-LMED. Therefore, this study aims to quantify scientific productivity, identify the key terms and analyze the extent of research collaboration in this domain. We searched the SCOPUS database using search terms informed by the PICOS model, and a total of 315 studies published between 1991 and 2022 were retrieved. Performance analysis, science mapping, network analysis, and visualization were performed using R Bibliometrix, Biblioshiny, and VOSviewer packages. Findings reveal that authors are actively publishing and collaborating in this domain, which experienced a sporadic publication increase in 2021. Most of the top publications, collaborations, countries, institutions, and journals are produced in first-world countries. In addition, studies evaluating performance in e-LMED evaluated constructs such as efficacy, knowledge gain, student perception, confidence level, acceptability, feasibility, usability, and willingness to recommend e-learning, mainly using pre-tests and post-tests experimental design methods. This study can help researchers understand the existing landscape of performance evaluation in e-LMED and could be used as a background to investigate and quantify the efficacy of the evaluation of e-LMED.

Singh Y. Healthc Inform Res. 2017 Oct;23(4):271-276. https://doi.org/10.4258/hir.2017.23.4.271

Conventional radiological processes have been replaced by digital images and information technology systems within South Africa and other developing countries. Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) technology offers many benefits to institutions, medical personnel and patients; however, the implementation of such systems can be a challenging task. It has been documented that South Africa has been using PACS for more than a decade in public hospitals with moderate success. The aim of this study was to identify and describe the PACS challenges endured by PACS vendors during implementation in the South African public healthcare sector. This was achieved by engaging in a methodological approach that was qualitative in nature collecting data through semi structured interviews from 10 PACS experts/participants which were later analysed qualitatively. The findings show that PACS vendors have countless challenges, some of which include space, insufficient infrastructure, image storage capacity, system maturity and vendor related concerns. It was clear that the PACS experts readily offered contextually appropriate descriptions of their encounters during PACS implementations in South African public healthcare institutions. PACS vendors anticipate these challenges when facing a public healthcare institution and it is recommended that the hospital management and potential PACS stakeholders be made aware of these challenges to mitigate their effects and aid in a successful implementation.

Singh Y. Ann Dermatol. 2021 Aug;33(4):345-350. https://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2021.33.4.345

HIV Drug-Resistant Patient Information Management, Analysis, and Interpretation

Information and communication technologies are becoming an integral part of medical practice, research and administration and their use will grow as telemedicine and electronic medical record use become part of routine practice. Security in maintaining patient data is important and there is a statuary obligation to do so, but few health professionals have been trained on how to achieve this. There is no information on the use of computers and email by doctors and nurses in South Africa in the workplace and at home, and whether their current computer practices meets legal and ethical requirements. The aims of this study were to determine the use of computers by healthcare practitioners in the workplace and home; the use and approach to data storage, encryption and security of patient data and patient email; and the use of informed consent to transmit data by email.