Online learning has a well-established role in medical education, and it is well accepted by students. Electronic learning (e-learning) strategy is aimed at improving the quality of medical education by providing students with equal access to quality learning resources. The main advantages of online learning are its flexibility and the capacity for learning to be self-paced. Online learning may be particularly useful for under- and post-graduate medical education.

The presence of texts, be they undergraduate textbooks or the latest research article, in data repositories linked to form a federation is often all that is required. The busy clinician can now search a virtual database (for example, PubMed or one of the other repositories) for the answer to his or her current clinical problem. The term “just‐in‐time” learning has been applied to this concept. With the appropriate technology (laptop/palmtop computers combined with satellite links/wireless hotspots) this concept of just‐in‐time learning has been used to support battlefield surgeons and rural practitioners as well as teaching hospital consultants after the latest research information. This integration of learning with practice is often referred to as convergence.

DocMode – “From Learning to Practice'” we are a global platform for outcome based learning (OBL). The outcomes-based approach is completely student – centered, which focuses on what students know and can actually do. Sharpening the focus onto student learning outcomes goes beyond mere tinkering with traditional structures and methods; it really constitutes a paradigm shift in educational philosophy and practice. India’s medical education system lacks outcomes based learning (OBL) experiences for students. We have partnerships and associations with leading medical schools/ universities and medical associations like ICO, Cleveland Clinic, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, Indian Dental Association, FOGSI, to name a few. Our partners help to create, review and launch courses which range from diagnosis and treatment guidelines, to industry practices, learners are also encouraged to interact with the faculty via discussions boards thus helping them to better clinical acumen in their daily medical practice.

As mentioned in the new program for outcome-based undergraduate medical education is been implemented across India, we hope this success paves way for PG and CMEs. Here are some thoughts on how we can initiate taking steps towards OBE:
Documentation – One of the key elements of practicing evidence-based medicine is the initiation of documentation. This further helps in developing better outcome-based learning for both the educator and the learner.

Involve public and private HCPs in education – Involve HCPs from public and private hospitals and primary healthcare centers towards the development of syllabus, invite them for industry lectures.

Compulsory research – Investigations of disease and epidemic should be a part of the syllabus, as this helps learners to analyze data, understand the life cycle of disease, understand new evolutions, and how to treat them. Further, this becomes a learning material for other learners and HCPs for future reference.